Stop Doing The Expected
Start Doing The Unexpected

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Published by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee
Sunday, January 20, 2002
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If we did what was expected only, we would do very little. The truth is that expectations of society are fairly low. If all you want is average, then doing the expected will get you that. If you want more, stop doing the expected and start doing the unexpected.

The saying, "If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always gotten," is true. Unless we are willing to do the unexpected, we will continue to get more of what we already have. We must be willing to take life on, step out, and take a chance.

Doing the unexpected is risky because we can't be guaranteed what the end result will be. When we do the expected, there are no surprises. We get the expected. That is not very risky and not very rewarding. When we dare to do the unexpected we get the unexpected. Often, what is not expected is better than we could ever imagine.

If you want to get the minimum, then do the expected. If you want to get the unexpected, you must be willing to do what is not expected.

Coaching

Living the expected life is boring and unrewarding. It is, however, safe and secure. If we want more out of life we must be willing to risk not getting the expected, but reaching for the unexpected. Life is full of wonder and magic if we are willing to seek it out. We must be willing to veer off the path and forge our own way through life. Less secure and safe than staying with the expected, but never boring.

The good news is we don't have to go off into the wilderness or go mountain climbing or anything else exotic to live the unexpected. Everyday, we have the opportunity to do something risky and unexpected. It can be things as simple as speaking to a stranger, taking a new way home, trying a new restaurant, or reading a book that isn't on our usual reading list. It takes very little to do the unexpected and it adds so much to life. Variety adds that quality of the unexpected.

Daily Success Formula

The unexpected = Taking risk + exploring + willingness

Quotes

"I believe that any man's life will be filled with constant and unexpected encouragement, if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day, and as nearly as possible reaching the high water mark of pure and useful living." Booker T. Washington

"I said here's the river I want to flow on, here's the direction I want to go, and put my boat in. I was ready for the river to take unexpected turns and present obstacles." Nancy Woodhull