Expectations cause frustation

The health of a fruit depends on the nourishment we give to roots. Frustration in a similar manner is the fruit of our thoughts and its roots lies in the expectations we set for ourselves. When all goes fine or even better than we have expected, we feel satiated; but if something goes wrong, it causes irritation and mental blow.

Same event can be pleasing or painful for two people with different level of expectations. Profit of 5 Lacs will be pleasant for one who has been expecting profit of 2 lacs but same will trouble to other person who has been expecting profit of 10 lacs from same event. Figures are same but these two people will look upon it in different way.

We can plan things and accordingly can estimate the outcome but things seldom go in the planned manner. There are always few factors which are beyond control. When one denies accepting the presence of these factors, one invites problems. To avoid losing our own mental peace in such instances, best that we can do is to accept the outcomes of uncontrollable factors and to concentrate on garnering from other factors.

By raising the our efforts and lowering the expectations also one can avoid frustration. In Shrimad Bhagwad Gita, Shri Krishana asks Arjuna to focus on imparting his duty with devotion but to not desire the results. Dale Carnegie, in his famous book “How to stop worrying “, reiterates the same principle.

Expectations from things in which we invest energy, are obvious; but keeping the positive attitude towards life even in worst scenario is the key to happiness.