It's All About Expectations

This weekend I played in our golf club's Championship event. Don't get me wrong. I am a bad golfer. I was placed in the 6th (and last) flight. If there had been enough people for a 7th flight I would have been in that one. But I went with high expectations because I had been playing better and had taken some lessons. Each flight awards winners as well as the overall Club Champion so I thought I might be able to beat the guys in my flight and win something. At least to have the honor of being the "Best of the Worst". What I didn't count on was that since this was the club championship the course was left to be as hard as possible. The rough was long and the holes were placed in the most difficult positions and the greens were made VERY fast. The competitors played over 2 days in hot weather which was a test of everyone's stamina.
Suffice it to say that I didn't play as well as I had hoped although I finished in the top five (of the worst flight). Initially I was angry at myself but I realized that this was the first time I had played under such extraordinary circumstances. I played the best I could, kept a great demeanor and learned a lot about the Game and myself. I was only angry because I had unrealistic expectations.
Whether we are playing golf, working in the office or just trying to get along at home, life is about expectations. How many problems could be avoided if we knew what was expected of us and could communicate our expectations to others! It is unreasonable for me to be frustrated with my assistant if I haven't told her what my expectations are. And at home I need to know what my wife expects of me so I can stay in her good graces.
So I urge anyone reading this to be simple and direct in your communication about your expectations. Most people will welcome such communication and if they don't, especially in the case of an employee, a more serious conversation needs to occur. In your "self" conversations, give yourself a break, be realistic in what you can accomplish and give it all you've got!