Greater Expectations

May 26, 2025

There’s a quiet truth we often overlook: we get what we expect. It sounds simple, almost cliché, but when you really think about it, it’s at the heart of both personal growth and creativity.

Our expectations aren’t just floating around—they shape everything. They influence how we act, how long we stick with something, how willing we are to take risks, and in the end, what we actually achieve. That’s why believing we can do the work, grow, and reach the level of skill and artistry we admire isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

It’s not about blind optimism. It’s about creating a mindset where belief takes root, one that makes growth possible. When we expect something great from ourselves, we start showing up differently. We practice more, listen better, and keep going even when things get tough. We stop taking setbacks personally and start seeing them as part of the journey.

As artists, there’s always a balancing act between humility and confidence. We need humility to recognize there’s always more to learn, but confidence to believe we can learn it. Expecting progress keeps us resilient, expecting excellence keeps us disciplined.

These expectations aren’t vague ideas—they shape our daily habits. An artist who truly believes they can grow approaches their work with curiosity and commitment instead of fear. That belief becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy because it changes how they respond to success and failure alike.

Vision usually comes before skill. We have to believe that we can refine what we see in our minds and build the skills to bring it to life. That expectation pushes us to learn from mistakes and keep trying when what’s on the canvas doesn’t match what we imagined.

This isn’t about pretending the hard parts don’t exist. It’s about knowing, deep down, that the struggle is worth it—and that we can overcome it. Expectation fuels action, and action changes everything.

What you expect matters. Expect mediocrity, and you settle. Expect failure, and you hesitate. But expect greatness, and you move forward. You take risks. You leap.

So wherever you are in your creative path, ask yourself: what do I expect from myself? If it’s anything less than growth, passion, and mastery, it might be time to raise that bar.

Because great expectations don’t just influence how we feel—they shape where we go. Believe in your ability to grow, and let that belief guide your hands, your choices, and your creative journey.