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Setting Realistic Expectations

Do you expect too much or too little of life? Think about how to set realistic expectations for yourself and your career.

It's important to be realistic about what you have done in the past. You also want to be practical about what you can do in the future. Most people make the mistake of setting expectations too high or too low.

Do you expect too much of yourself? Or not enough?

Low Motivation

When you've had bad experiences in the past, sometimes it is hard to try again. Be willing to give education or your job search another chance.

Just like people are different, each school and workplace is different. It takes effort to find the right place for you. If you let unpleasant experiences control your thinking, this can be an obstacle to your success.

Be persistent and keep a positive attitude.

  • Focus on past successes. Remind yourself that there are many things you do well.
  • Spend time with positive people who support you and your efforts.
  • You probably heard: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

Concentrate on short-term, SMART goals. This will help you be persistent.

High Expectations

It is good to have high self-esteem and goals. As an adult, you have already learned how to do many things. However, as you progress in life, learning might become more difficult, and you have more responsibilities that interfere with your progress.

If your expectations are too high, this can be a hurdle. Think about keeping things practical.

  • Some jobs will no longer be open to you because of your criminal history. Find out which jobs are impacted by a criminal record before you start your search.
  • Most certificate and degree programs take longer than you might think to finish. They also require more independent study than you might expect.
  • Most entry-level jobs do not pay big salaries. You might not get a promotion as quickly as you want.

Focus on short-term, SMART goals. This will help you stay realistic.

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