Slow down for a minute
We’re conditioned to believe that everything in life is supposed to happen miraculously fast. I think the media and marketers are at least partly to blame: ‘Thinner thighs in 30 days’, ‘Quit smoking in two days’, ‘Build a database of 20,000 in four months’, ‘Sell $1.5 million worth of product in a year!
While I imagine all those things can be done in those timeframes, for most people, statements like the ones above set up completely unrealistic expectations. When initial results don’t meet those grandiose self-imposed goals quickly, doubt begins to creep in. Then worry, then fear and finally an angry reaction like ‘Why did I spend so much time for no result?’
Good things take time
As solopreneurs begin to implement major steps in their marketing, they often see immediate results, which is comforting. But as they begin to stretch beyond their comfort zones and tackle even bigger projects or challenges that require extra effort and investment for implementation, results often need longer to take hold.
The delay triggers questions:
- Where are the results of all my hard work?
- I’ve been working my butt off so where are the millions of dollars?
- Why aren’t I seeing the pay-off immediately?
But it does take some time for the seeds you’ve planted to grow roots, sprout, grow and bear fruit. That’s why you have to be meticulous about planning and then do whatever it takes to implement those plans. Plus, it’s important to plant as many seeds as possible, so that you have different bits and pieces cropping up all the time, and are not relying on just one thing to bring in the money.
Operate from a place of positive expectation
Resentment is counter-productive. To attract outcomes quickly, foster a sense of positive expectation. Develop a mindset in which you are continually telling yourself that you are positively expecting great results, no matter what you see in front of you.
In my experience, if you remind yourself to do this when you’re feeling doubtful, a sign will usually show up. Often your self-confidence returns, the project advances, and the results start coming in. But if you dwell on doubt or blame it surely gets worse.
You create your future and your results based on how you choose to see the world and the way you react to life. You are ultimately responsible for your own success, your actions, and most importantly how you see your own progress and success. A person coming from a victorious point of view will always see opportunity no matter what’s in front of them.
How do you see what’s in front of you? Are you a victim or are you victorious? Please share your comments about managing expectations below.
“ It does take some time for the seeds you’ve planted to grow roots, sprout, grow and bear fruit. ”
Deborah Jackson of Easy Marketing to Get Clients and author of 'Easy Marketing for Women' is devoted to teaching self-employed independent professionals, solo-entrepreneurs, and small business owners how to consistently attract ideal clients.
