I have thinking a lot lately about “great expectations.” No, not the Charles Dickens novel, but how we all think something should turn out. I think we are all guilty of building something up in our mind before we even experience it. It’s a way of looking forward to something and it might help us escape the routine we’re in. I am the type of person that lives in the future. Constantly thinking about what’s coming next. I build up my expectations of what life will look like and then work towards that.
There are pros and cons to this, which is why I wanted to talk about it today. Having “great expectations” gives you high goals to reach for, but it can also take you out of the present moment. In a world that is so visual thanks to social media it can be very easy to expect the results that you see from others. But that’s the thing. Everyone’s journey in life is going to look different, so of course the successes will look different, too.
We do a disservice to ourselves when we compare our experiences because it takes away from our own successes. I know in the blogging world this can be a constant struggle. We all have expectations about how fast we are supposed to grow, or how quickly we should get the hang of something, but why not just enjoy the journey.
My expectations when I started Waketon Road were low. I wanted to have a creative outlet that allowed me to share the things that inspire me. I didn’t think about success in numbers or followers, my expectations were more focused on producing quality content. The goal was to feel inspired enough to post once a week. Fast forward to today when I am able to publish three times a week and (if I wasn’t working full-time) could probably do more!
That’s the thing about expectations. They can surprise you! When you focus on the right things you will see success. My goal is to find inspiration everywhere. Stop and smell the roses, because life is too beautiful to be chasing unrealistic expectations.
Shop the Look:
Top: Abercrombie & Fitch, Jeans: Old Navy, Bag: Cult Gaia, Shoes: Michael Kors (old, similar)
Such a great post, Bryn! I definitely needed this reminder (especially given our chat over the weekend)! Thanks for bringing me back to reality and reminding me to focus on why I am doing all of this!
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
Thank you for this, Bryn! This was just what I needed this morning.
http://www.mollyonthemoveblog.com
Thanks Molly! I know I have needed to remind myself of this lately! Xo Bryn
This is a great post and I do agree that the comparison can get the best of us. Thanks for the reminder Bryn!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Love this post! Happy Monday, friend!
This is such a great post and so, SO true!! Perfect timing for me to read this today, so thank you 🙂 Love your outfit too!!
– Mary
http://www.MissMaryPowers.com
This look has spring vibes written all over it!
Ana | http://www.theanaduarte.com
Such a great post, Bryn! Loved hearing about your thoughts on expectations! PS: This look is fantastic;)
Pink Champagne Problems
Couldn’t agree more with today’s post! I’m always thinking of tomorrow and what the future will hold, but my mom always say that tomorrow isn’t promised and that we must live today to the fullest! Easier said than done 😉 P.S. – you look super gorgeous as always, and I love your pretty top!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
LOVE love love this post!! Such an incredible reminder!!!
http://beyondblessedblog.com/
Great post Bryn! It’s so true it can be easy to compare ourselves to others in the blogging world, but each journey is so unique and that’s what makes it enjoyable! 🙂 Love your outfit too! Have a great Monday!
http://www.blushfulbelle.com
I am obsessed with the bag!
http://www.pennyanddash.com
So true – its hard seeing other people grow so quickly, or go on all these amazing sponsored trips, etc. But you’re right, its all a journey, we should enjoy every step!
xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com/
Your top is so beautiful – love the print and color. And that clutch!!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I just found your blog and I love it! The bag totally completes your look 🙂 Can’t wait to follow along!
http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
I love the fresh look! So pretty and feminine! I agree-we will miss what life has for us right now if we always look to the future. It’s not promised to us anyway! Thanks for the inspiration, Bryn!
I love this pos Bryn! It looks like we were on similar wave lengths this week! I completely agree about expectations and love when Im surprised 🙂
Such a pretty outfit!
Also, I’m loving that bag!!
~Adriana
http://www.leopardmartini.com