Expectation
Nat Ware went to Africa and he was shocked by the genuine happiness of people he met. He then studied why some people are happy and some are not. The reason why we’re unhappy, as shown by research, is related to expectation. We’re unhappy when expectations exceeds the reality. Nat called that expectation gap.
Three different type of expectation gap based on how we form expectation
Imagination Gap
When we choose something, we choose the best from range of options. We choose the one we imagine will be the best. That very decision process is forming expectations that oftentimes leads to disappointment.
Sometimes, the options isn’t even on the happiness scale due to unrealistic expectations caused by advertising, photoshop, filter, etc.
Interpersonal Gap
Having SUV in the neighborhood where ferrari parked in every house different than having it in poor neighborhood.
Intertemporal Gap
Person B is happier than person A despite the same average due to anchoring: we comparing ourself to our past.
What to do
- Manage a healthy expectation. Expect less.
- Avoid social comparison
- Practice acceptance, gratitude, frugality, and altruism…while expect less
