Managing expectations is key to our success. We know we’re no good to others if we don’t look after ourselves first, but most people wait until they’re feeling exhausted to push back on how much they’re giving to others, which often feels uncomfortable.
What if we proactively managed other people’s expectations of us and protected our energy as our first priority? We can always offer more down the track and surprise them, but it’s important not to get caught up in routines and expectations that deplete us.
I know this first-hand. I was a single mum for several years with my family situated on the other side of the world. Being fiercely independent, I tried to do it all, which was never going to be sustainable. I held down a senior role, whilst pretending to be ‘super-mum’, juggling priorities without asking for help until it impacted my health – in a serious form.
Looking back now, I can see the boundaries I needed to create that would allow me to look after myself, the equivalent to putting my oxygen mask on first if you like, therefore allowing me to give to others – my son, my friends, my work, my future self.
I’m very careful to make sure I have balance in my life now and take time out to stop, recharge and reflect. If that’s something you need to take action on, here are 3 questions you can ask to create some more self-care in your life:
💜 What’s depleting your energy right now? How can you minimise the effects and create space to recharge?
💜 Are you giving more to others than to yourself? If so, what do you need to be the best version of you possible?
💜 Whose expectations do you need to reset to be able to look after yourself properly?
