Quotes About Expectations

Here are great expectation quotes that you will need in life.

As much as you may have been warned, it is nearly impossible to live without a single expectation. People like to say that expectations are the root of all unhappiness. They can be if you set yourself up for failure. The truth is, we find expectation in anything. We expect to wake up to the sun every morning. It’s not something we even consciously think about. It is an expectation so ingrained in our livelihood that it’s nearly impossible to live without ‘knowing’ the sun will come up the next day. 

In the spirit of keeping things simple, here is more information about how to maintain a healthy balance with your expectations. Then, you will stumble upon 70 of the greatest quotes about expectations and their powers. 

Quotes for understanding how to have healthy expectations 

Expectations might be an integral part of our existence, but that doesn’t mean we always have realistic expectations. Sometimes – for whatever reason – we get a certain plan in our heads. We see this plan through, and – in whatever method it takes – we figure out the supposed best course of action. The A and B that gets us to C. We replay this so much in our heads that we can no longer see any other possible outcome. 

So, when something doesn’t go as planned, the feelings we experience after that point are directly related to how unrealistic our expectation was of that specific situation. 

One of the easiest ways to always maintain realistic and healthy expectations is to do things that keep you ever in the present moment. The present you are, the easier it is to give in to the natural ebb and flow of the universe. 

Not just that, but constantly remind yourself that you are not in control. Even if you are the CEO of every other aspect of your life, understand and remember that you can only see from your perspective. Sometimes, other things are at play that you can’t see. Sometimes, people and events surprise you. 

When you can see the world for what it is and know that you are such a minute factor in the greater abyss, it gets easier to lower your expectation of having everything work according to your favor. 

The same goes for self-expectations as well. You can’t always exceed expectations you set in place. While it will help you achieve your goals, you must also remember to trust the ebb and flow of yourself within the universe. As long as you continuously work to improve and learn, you will accomplish your goals. 

Motivational Quotes On Exceeding Expectations In Life

“To exceed the expectations of others, we must first raise expectations of ourselves.” – Robin Crow

It’s impossible to know what others think. Keep your head focused on raising the expectations you have for yourself, and you’ll start to see what people think. They won’t be able to help but let you know how proud they are of you. 

“Exceeding expectations is where satisfaction ends, and loyalty begins.” -Ron Kaufman 

Think about it. When your boss sets expectations for you at work, and you feel inclined to exceed them, that inclination comes from your loyalty to the business and your boss. The same goes for loved ones. When they see you exceeding expectations, they are more likely to keep cheering you on and trust where you are going. 

“There’s no straighter road to success than exceeding expectations one day at a time.” – Robin Crow

Keep your eye on the prize. You’ll bypass all distractions and head straight toward achieving your goals. 

“Do what you promised. Keep your word. Exceed expectations.” -Gail Martin

This is the recipe for being a good human. 

“Tell yourself often: I am going to tackle my aspirations head-on with the passion and dedication necessary to exceed even my expectations.” – Lorii Myers

Starting the day off with affirmations is a great way to put your brain in a productive mindset from the very beginning. Every time I say this one out loud, I get visibly excited and motivated to start something. 

“A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected.” -Anonymous

Relationships – no matter the type – all have a natural give and take. When we do more to focus directly on making someone feel appreciated, they are likely to give more to the relationship as well. We all know how to recognize hard work when we see it. So, when we get recognized for our own hard work, it typically makes us want to continue performing at that or exceeding that standard. 

“There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.” – Roger Staubach

This one’s great because when you think about how many people would actually choose to drive an extra mile on their trip home every night? Not many, I’ll tell you that much. Putting in the extra effort to achieve your dreams and be successful will prove to be extremely beneficial to you in the end. Not many people have the dedication to go above and beyond in their quest for success continuously. 

“Always deliver more than expected.” -Larry Page

It’s that simple. 

“If you want to be outstanding, stop meeting expectations, start exceeding them.” -Saji Ijiyemi

The outstanding are those that don’t stop when the job is finished. They stop when they are finished.

“The shortest path to exceeding expectations doesn’t generally pass through meeting expectations.” -Ward Cunningham

The path to exceeding expectations might even be the longer of the two! But it guides you to the end goal sooner. 

“Exceed all expectations, especially your own.” -Anonymous 

Remember not to be too hard on yourself, but focus on smashing through your own realistic expectations before focusing on any others. 

“Entering into the flow of abundance begins when exceeding expectations becomes a way of life.” -Robin Crow

Those that naturally want always to exceed expectations will gravitate towards abundance. They will be gifted for all the energy they continuously put into things. 

“It’s simple. Go the extra mile, and you will stand out from the crowd.” -Robin Crow

Queue all the haters during this time too. 

“Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.” -Albert Einstein 

Never lose the hunger for learning something and testing the limits. 

Expectations From Others Quotes

“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.” -Bruce Lee 

Simply put, keep your eyes locked on your own race because that’s all that really matters. 

“Putting our expectations on others is a habit that keeps us feeling frustrated. It diminishes the amount of love we feel.” -Jude Bijou  

Focusing on expectations typically leads to judgment when things do not meet those expectations. Then, one person ends up resenting the other.  

“I have no responsibility to live up to what others expect of me. That’s their mistake, not my failing.” -Richard Feynman

At the end of the day, all limiting expectations are usually manifestations of how the person sees themselves. 

“If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.” -Michael Jordan

Don’t let people get in your head. Some people will try to knock you down on purpose. Don’t let them. 

“Expect more from yourself than from others. Because expectations from others hurt a lot, while expectations from yourself inspire a lot. That’s life.” -Anonymous 

Chances are, you are familiar with how it feels to have the pressures of someone else’s expectations riding on your shoulders. Coming from others, expectations can be hurtful. Focus on yourself and your own expectations, and you will be a lot happier. 

“To free us from the expectations of others, to give us back to ourselves – there lies the great, singular power of self-respect.” -Joan Didion

Have the power and confidence to put yourself first. Always. 

“Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” -Paulo Coelho

If this isn’t the truth, I don’t know what is. Especially with the age of social media. The next time you catch yourself creating an expectation for someone else, try to first see how you can redirect those expectations at yourself. Most of the time, you’ll find that they all apply to your life and are usually your insecurities. 

“Our expectation in ourselves must be higher than our expectation in others.” -Victor Manuel Rivera

Otherwise, you may fall victim to being over-critical. 

“Don’t shrink to meet the expectations of others, grow to become the person you want to be.” -Kris Carr

Sometimes the bar is set embarrassingly low. Rather than hiding pieces of yourself to fit the mold of someone else’s expectations, see how far you can exceed them.

“There is no joy involved in following others’ expectations of yourself.” -Miriam Toews

Don’t allow yourself to succumb to this. Only you can see things from your perspective. Your dreams, aspirations, and self-expectations are your own to actualize. Only you know what’s best for you, regardless of how someone may present themselves. 

“Don’t base your life on other people’s expectation.” -Anonymous 

It’s your life, not theirs. 

“The expectations that others place on us help us form our expectations of ourselves.” -Wes Moore

I like this quote because it can be looked at as a good thing and a bad thing. Regardless, expectations hold incredible weight in our lives. So, it’s important to make sure you know what you want, even if it aligns with what others say and feel. Avoid blindly following someone at all costs. 

“Don’t let others’ expectations direct the course of your life.” -Julianne Donaldson

Distractions are poison to accomplishing goals. When you are trying to achieve your dreams, other people’s thoughts and expectations will likely get more negative. Remember that, whether the expectations positively or negatively affect your life, it is better to listen to yourself first. Only you know the course you want to take your life. 

“Follow the trail of your dreams, not the highway of others’ expectations.” -Anonymous  

The highway might sound faster and easier but isn’t nearly as fulfilling or beautiful to look at.

Inspirational quotes about expectations in relationships

“Don’t blame people for disappointing you. Blame yourself for expecting too much from them.” -Anonymous  

It’s not their fault you held your expectations of them out of their reach. 

“Learn to love without condition. Talk without bad intention. Give without any reason. And most of all, care for people without any expectation.” -Anonymous  

This is the number one way to live a guilt-free life. 

“To love truly we must accept others as they are without any expectations.” -Anonymous 

Leaving expectations at the door is the greatest thing you can do in a relationship. If you feel like your partner keeps putting their expectations on you, take a look at what you’re doing first. You might be doing the same thing. 

“The moment you lower your expectations marks the beginning of the end of your relationship.” -Anonymous 

Never compromise your wants and needs in a relationship. Once you start dimming your light and not fully being yourself, the relationship suffers. 

“You know what’s the one wrong thing we all do when we fall in love? We expect. And it just ruins everything.” -Anonymous 

Putting expectations on a relationship at any point is going to cause problems, but especially in the beginning. New love can cause you to expect things out of your partner that they would never actually do. This is a recipe for disaster. 

“Two things can destroy any relationship: unrealistic expectations and poor communication.” -Anonymous 

Enough said. 

“Failed relationships aren’t designed to encourage us to lower our expectations, but to raise our standards.” -Anonymous 

Figure out what you want before entering into a relationship. Then, don’t compromise those wants and needs for anyone. 

“Who hurt you? My own expectations.” -Anonymous 

This one can be comprehended in many ways, but in regards to a relationship, I think of it as someone just going through a break-up and an acquaintance asking them the question. It is true that if you have unrealistic expectations and you force them on your partner, the relationship most likely won’t last. No one likes to feel pressured into being a certain way just to make one person happy. Open communication about your expectations is the best way to see if the person is right for you to begin with.

“People say: Never expect anything in return from anyone. But the truth is when we really love someone, we naturally expect a little care and love from them.” -Anonymous 

It’s hard not to expect a few things from someone you love. Even something as small as a kiss goodbye when they leave for work. Trying to limit how many expectations you have will help the relationship. Also, talk with your loved ones about things you expect and be honest with them.

“Letting go of a failing relationship is not as hard as clinging on to unrealistic expectations.” -Anonymous 

If breaking up with someone is the right thing to do, don’t let your fears talk you out of it. Getting over someone is a lot easier than suffering through unrealistic expectations your entire life. 

“Expectation often destroys relationships and takes the natural taste, flavor, wonder-factor, and spontaneity away from our daily life.” -Anonymous 

Allow people to be exactly who they are, faults and all. You will likely see more beauty in life that way. 

“Expectations ruin many relationships. Understanding let them be together forever. Choose wisely.” -Abhinav Kaushik

The only way expectations can survive through a relationship is if they are mutually talked about and agreed upon. 

“Silent expectations kill relationships.” -Anonymous 

Communication is everything to relationships, especially when it comes to things you expect from your partner. You have to be open and honest, or you will never be happy with the relationship. 

“Expectations kill relationships. Our biggest mistake in relationships is that we expect too much from our partners and want them to behave and do as per our wishes. But this is not correct. Today, I’ve learned that everyone has their own point of view to see things. It’s all about perception. Don’t expect anything from anyone. Everyone has a right to do what they think is right as per their perception. Free them to take their decisions.” -Nishant Mohan 

This quote is everything. No commentary is needed. 

Expectations and Disappointment Quotes

“Remember, all frustration is based on unmet expectations. If we did not expect anything, we would not be frustrated.” -John Lund 

Sometimes it’s hard not to get your hopes up. The important thing is that you remember that the frustration you feel is solely from having set expectations in the first place. There is no point in getting frustrated at other people, especially if they weren’t aware of your expectations in the first place. 

“The greatest unhappiness a person can feel in life is unmet expectations.” -Laura Lee Guhrke 

This might seem like an over-generalization, but remembering this quote makes it a lot easier to remain peaceful and happy in every situation. 

“Expectation feeds frustration. It is an unhealthy attachment to people, things, and outcomes we wish we could control; but don’t.” – Dr. Steve Maraboli

The more you can let go of this attachment, the easier it will be to accept the things the come into and leave your life. 

“Expectation is the root of all heartache.” -William Shakespeare 

William Shakespeare said it best. 

“Expectations are premeditated resentments.” -Anonymous 

Read that again. 

“Don’t blame people for disappointing you. Blame yourself for expecting too much from them.” -Anonymous 

Bingo. The only person you can blame for unmet expectations is yourself. Even if you communicate those expectations, they are still yours at the end of the day. 

“Never idealize others. They will never live up to your expectations.” -Leo Buscaglia 

Remember that people aren’t perfect. No one can live up to unrealistic expectations. Never put anyone on a pedestal. 

“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” -Alexander Pope

Sometimes life is just better when you sit back and watch it happen. 

“Disappointments are a result of failed expectations. To have fewer disappointments, either expect less from other people or demand more from yourself.” -Anonymous 

Be careful not to put too many demands on yourself, though. This can backfire and cause you just as much – if not more – grief. 

“Never get too attached to someone, because attachments lead to expectations and expectations lead to disappointments.” -Anonymous 

Don’t push yourself away from people either. As The Beatles put it, let it be. The things that are meant for you will come into your life no matter what. And the things that aren’t will leave. At the end of the day, you are always right where you are meant to be. 

“There are only two possibilities why you’re disappointed: Wrong person or wrong expectation.” -Anonymous 

Don’t be afraid to analyze your own expectations to ensure they are still realistic. Things change all the time, so there’s a chance some of your expectations might need to be updated as well. 

“Life delivers far less disappointment when your expectations are low.” -Brad Meltzer 

Live happily. Live without expectations. 

“When you learn to accept instead of expect, you’ll have fewer disappointments.” -Anonymous  

The ultimate acceptance that you are just a small part of a greater concept can help you to accept some of the smaller, more trivial disappointments in life. 

“Disappointment is a sort of bankruptcy – the bankruptcy of a soul that expends too much in hope and expectation.” -Eric Hoffer 

Don’t rob yourself of a life, but don’t lower your expectations either! The expectations that matter the most to you will end up shaping your entire life. Choose wisely. 

Unrealistic expectations that will change your life

“Sometimes we expect more from others because we would be willing to do that much for them.” -Anonymous  

This is one of the hardest lessons to learn sometimes, but not everyone is willing to do for you what you are willing to do for them. 

“Unrealistic expectations are often the seeds of bitterly stuffed emotions.” -Lysa Terkeurst  

Your emotional bouts could be a direct result of having unrealistic expectations. 

“There are two ways to be happy: Improve your reality or lower your expectations.” -Jodi Picoult 

Sometimes our expectations are a bit too high, even of ourselves. If you keep wishing for the life you want, you’ll miss the beauty of the life you have. 

“False hopes and unrealistic expectations lead inevitably to disillusionment. Being happy with the small things that life allows us to enjoy the moment as it emerges.” -Erik Pevernagie 

It really is the little things. You know?

“Psychiatrists say unrealistic expectations lead to depression, but why else are we alive if not to dream? Every expectation is unrealistic until it is made a spectacular reality through inspiration, hard work, and persistence.” -Stewart Stafford

This quote takes things a bit in the other direction! Stewart Stafford wants us all to dream as big as possible. Shoot for the stars because all dreams are ludicrous until made into reality. Just don’t blame others if you are let down in the end… that’s all. 

“Unrealistic expectations can keep us from enjoying a meal, a relationship, or the place God has us. Attitudes are powerful. They can break your spirit or make your day. The good news is, all it takes to change one is a little inside adjustment. When we share a meal with someone we love, what we have on our plate isn’t the main course.” -Jeanette Levellie 

Thank you, Jeanetter Levellie. Thank you. 

“Unrealistic expectations of the way it should be, prevent us from ever being happy with the way it is.” -Anonymous 

Keep your eye on the prize but don’t forget to look around on your way there!

“Unrealistic expectations often lead to disappointment, while simple, unbiased attention and detachment to outcome often lead to pleasant surprises.” -Gary Hopkins

Be motivated to achieve your goals without being attached to them. This is a hard but beneficial lesson in life. 

“When we impose unrealistic expectations on ourselves, it’s natural to force them on everyone else.” -Jen Hatmaker

If you notice yourself forcing your opinions on others, try to evaluate where that is coming from. There’s a chance you are expecting a bit too much from yourself. 

“When you try to put a 100-watt bulb in a lamp that can only handle 40, don’t blame the bulb.” -Chad Everett 

Don’t blame the lamp either. That’s on you.

“Our environment, the world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations.” -Earl Nightingale 

Releasing your attachment to expectation will bring brighter, happier things into your life. 

“Just keep it simple, and have no unrealistic expectations. For it bogs you down!” -Manjusha 

Like they tell you in Journalism undergrad, “KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid!” Life is just better that way. 

“There is nothing in nature that blooms all year long. So don’t expect yourself to do so either.” -Anonymous 

Be kind to yourself, and you’ll find it easier to be kind to the world around you too. Life’s too short to be taken so seriously anyway. 

“Remember there’s no such thing as an unrealistic goal – just unrealistic time frames.” -Donald Trump 

Donald Trump may have been onto something with this. 

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy and realistic expectations can be difficult at times. Whether you put too high of expectations on yourself or those around you, all you end up doing is causing yourself more stress in the end. Read through these 70 quotes about expectation any time you need a reminder or a pick-me-up. They have a tendency to spark motivation in people!