Get Your Expectations Up
by Samantha Roehrig
In December, the Dallas Cowboys football team
qualified for the playoffs for the first time in
several years. This was a surprise to many that
follow football because the Cowboys had only
managed to win five games each of the past three
years. And, with predominantly the same roster,
the odds were stacked against them again this
year because of factors such as inexperience,
questionable talent and aging players. But after
last year's season, the Cowboys hired coach Bill
Parcells to change their direction. On his first
day of practice, Parcells told all the players,
“Get your expectations up!” This proved to be a
powerful message. By changing their expectations
and holding the players accountable to those
expectations, the Cowboys were able to win more
games than anyone predicted, except for maybe
themselves. Demonstrated by the Cowboys,
expectations make all the difference in life.
What are your expectations for 2004 and beyond?
As moms, we expect a lot from ourselves in terms
of being a great caretaker for the family. We
expect ourselves to raise happy, confident,
extraordinary kids. We expect ourselves to
maintain a wonderful, well-kept home. We expect
ourselves to be the super, loving, nurturing and
wise mom that we always envisioned. It's these
expectations that cause us to do our best every
day, day after day.
But let's take our expectations a step further -
let's internalize them beyond the role of mom
and look specifically at our wellness
expectations. Wellness expectations are
fundamental because it takes energy, health and
endurance to achieve all of our other
expectations in life. What do you expect from
yourself in terms of health, fitness and
nutrition? It's January, and everyone is
motivated and busy setting goals for the year.
Let's talk expectations instead. Expectations
are more personal than goals - expectations
focus more on your inner beliefs and the results
you truly desire.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Blessed is He
who expects nothing, for he shall never be
disappointed.” This is a very poignant
statement. He's absolutely right because when
expectations are set, then not achieved -- it's
a bummer. But we can't let the fear of
disappointment stop us from taking our lives to
the next level.
Have your experiences in life taught you not to
expect much? For example, are you frustrated by
past attempts to lose weight? Have you started
fitness programs, but never achieved your
desired results? Have you just accepted that
losing your figure is part of motherhood? Have
you ever thought, it would be incredible to run
a half marathon, but I'll never be in good
enough shape? Before long, great expectations
can turn into bad expectations. It's time to
stop expecting the worse when it comes to
improving your wellness. Your past does not
determine your future unless you allow it.
Chances are, you've experienced some element of
success in the past and you probably didn't even
give yourself credit. I'm sure you've heard the
phrase, "I took 3 steps forward and 2 steps
back." The three steps forward are great, but
you think the two steps back are a failure so
you just give up. You must not focus on the two
steps back because the end result was that you
took one step forward. You've got to keep this
in mind as you progress throughout the year. Let
your experiences be a stepping stone to
facilitate setting your greater expectations.
Here's a personal example...last year I competed
in my first triathlon. My expectation was to
complete the race to the best of my abilities -
I didn't expect to place, just make a solid
showing to build on. Going into the race, I knew
I was not a good swimmer - I expected to
struggle in the swim, but it was the first
element so I it would be out of the way quickly.
On the whole, the triathlon was an excellent,
fun experience. Going into this year, I've
raised my expectations. I expect to compete at a
higher level. To achieve this, I've got to get
in the pool. My past experience with swimming is
closer to relaxing on a floatie rather than a
competitive sport. I've even caught myself
making a few lame excuses like, "I don't have
time to practice swimming because I'll have to
wash my hair afterward." So I've kicked off this
year determined to raise my game - I expect to
become an outstanding swimmer. I've taken the
first step by taking a few lessons and joining a
training program to help me build momentum.
Your objective for 2004...get your expectations
up! It's expectations that will determine your
results, and you owe it to yourself to have
incredible results. Expect optimal health,
higher energy levels and the body you desire. I
want you to think about raising your
expectations in terms of health, fitness and
nutrition. Are you ready to regain your
pre-motherhood body tone? Is it time to
eliminate bad nutrition habits such as caffeine,
fast food and simple sugars? Are you sick and
tired of feeling tired? Have you had it with
that with that 10 pounds you just can't seem to
lose? Is this the year that you run a 5K, a 10K,
a marathon or a triathlon? Don't limit your
expectations, make 2004 the year that you kick
some serious butt!
Questions about how to get your expectations up?
Send me a note at samantha@optimomfitness.com.
Here's to an oustanding 2004, Samantha.
Samantha Roehrig
Vitality Coach
Optimom Fitness
Because Motherhood Is An Endurance Sport
samantha@optimomfitness.com
