Expectations

Let’s face it, having expectations of others is the source of all frustrations. As soon as you expect anything from the world, from loved ones or…from anyone, you set yourself up for disappointment.

On my travels I got off a ferry from Athens to Mykonos in Greece and immediately a taxi driver greeted me, which was great because I needed a lift to my hotel. I used GPS to pinpoint where the hotel was so I was aware that it was not an outrageous walk if I had to. So, I had no expectation that I would have a ride, but not disappointed that a taxi driver approached me.

That said, as I was following the taxi driver to his car I told him I only had credit card, to which he informed me that no taxi driver in Mykonos accepts credit cards. The problem was, I only had $20 in cash on me and he had quoted me a $40 fare (which, let’s be real, I knew was a laugh and he was exploiting me, but I wasn’t going to argue). He drove me to a local ATM and I couldn’t retrieve cash as I didn’t recall my PIN number so he ended up driving me halfway and dumping me on the side of the road. I took my bags graciously and went on my way.

When I told others the story, the reactions were clearly shock. Who would ever? I never took that position, personally, because I understood two things about this particular situation. First one, time is money for business people, so my expectation that this person would drive me the entire way at half cost is not realistic. It’s altruistic, sure, and maybe some drivers would have, but not him. No worries. Secondly, I understood that to have an expectation of anyone i.e. that they will go above and beyond, that they care, that they somehow value humanity over their personal agendas, is not realistic. In the end, the one the cares most about you is…YOU. Don’t expect anything from anyone. If you are dying in the street of thirst I’m quite sure that someone will offer you a drink, but if they don’t…do not be surprised. Find a drink on your own.

Once you realize that all you have at the end of the day are your own devices, the less frustrating the world becomes and the more of a strategist YOU will become.