Eradicate The Outcome: A Mindfulness Technique To Lead A More Peaceful & Fulfilling Life
Transcending Expectations: Unveiling the Path to Serenity and Fulfillment
Transcending Expectations: Unveiling the Path to Serenity and Fulfillment
“Fortune falls heavily on those for whom she’s unexpected. The one always on the lookout easily endures” — Seneca The Younger
Lately I’ve been experimenting with the idea of not expecting outcomes. From a philosophical standpoint it’s the Stoic philosopher Epictetus who professed this concept: That only our thoughts & actions are within our control. Not the result.
It’s not something new, the act of letting go & not expecting any particular outcome is well documented, in both Eastern and Western thought. By not expecting an eventuality that is favorable to me or something that I expect to play out in a certain way is something that’s easier said than done. But I’m trying to practice it mindfully. I’m trying to only focus on the moment, the task at hand, my work & my duty & leave the outcome for whatever it may be.
I find that this is particularly liberating & brings a lot of peace & contentment when I erase the expectation out of it. I’m focused just on my work & the things I do & I just perform my duty & work to my best capabilities eradicating the expected outcome from it.
From a Buddhist perspective, thinking about the future causes “suffering”. And Buddhism teaches to live in the present, which, in essence, is the same thing. If you make up these outcomes & expectations, you’re just going to be let down or feel dejected or never feel content with the eventual outcome because of the expected outcome you’ve thought up.
The unpredictability of life & essentially, the future, is totally unknown, so why create something made up in your head & then feel bad about it if you don’t meet it or it doesn’t play out that way?
These expected outcomes drain & remove the joy of the process & the moment. We all have goals, ambitions, etc. But I’m trying to change the goal from something I “expect” to something I “do”.
For example, in a football match you’re only concerned with scoring goals in that particular match. Not scoring a goal 20 games later. So you get it right, make a goal that you can “do” — in the immediate, in the now, in the task at hand.
Learning musical instruments has taught me the same thing, I just practice by taking a bit of consistent effort on that day. Focusing on a short term goal, whether learning a scale or chord progression or a motif or creating a song. Not worrying about the level I will/will not be at 5 years later or how people will react to the song or musical idea.
By just focusing on the work at hand & your effort in each particular day, & not worrying about the end product 6–12 months or 2–3 or 5 years later, you’re immersed in the moment, enjoy your daily work & enjoy the process.
But the mind is a drifter, so it’s easier said than done.
With practice, and making a conscious effort to not expect an outcome but by taking action is something, when I do get it right, that is immensely satisfying.
Whether I’m building a product or pitching something to an investor or writing a song, poem, article, script, or whatever I’m doing on that particular day, I focus only on the task in that particular time, in the short term, & don’t drift into the abyss of the future.
Thinking “I hope it turns out this way” or “This is what I want to happen”, or in essence, expecting something that’s not in the immediate, will eventually lead to disappointment.
While according to German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, in a post I wrote a while ago, even getting what you want and achieving your long term goal, is going to leave with you unfulfilled and unsatisfied and filled with “ennui” or “boredom”.
But coming back, why expect and draw up an outcome in the first place? — when it will only lead to dissatisfaction.
When it comes to people and relationships it gets even more tricky; we all have a certain degree of expectations from people. Whether it’s romantic between partners or couples, parents, children, friendship related, business related, or performance related and so on and so forth.
So again, when it comes to people, expecting things also leads to disappointment. It’s instead better to just be accepting of people, be compassionate(as the Dalai Lama is a huge proponent of), be helpful and try to make someone’s day a bit brighter and better.
So if you’re looking at getting your startup funded, or you’re building a product, or performing some task or assignment at work, make it the best startup pitch and the best product and do the best work you can, and worry about the outcome later. Instead of worrying and hoping for your next promotion, put in the hard work each day and see where it leads you.
Immersing yourself in the process and the creation of the idea/product or task or whatever it may be, i.e. the process, and doing your best and only focusing on the work, will see you through if you just stop expecting a figurative outcome.
Shifting your mind’s focus to the present moment, and focusing on the work you’re doing in that moment, is perhaps the most ideal and satisfying way to live — eradicating the expectation and the outcome.
Again, it takes time to master, and it can be difficult at times, but with diligent practice, and practicing mindfulness, I believe it can lead to immense peace, happiness and fulfillment.
Closing Thoughts
I thought I’d ask Chat GPT to summarize my article, and this is what it said:
The article delves into the profound notion of emancipating oneself from the shackles of expectations, while immersing in the sublime realm of the present moment. Drawing wisdom from the Stoic philosopher Epictetus and the profound insights of Buddhist philosophy, the author elucidates the art of relinquishing attachment to predetermined outcomes. By mindfully embracing the here and now, one can find liberation and experience profound tranquility.
The crux lies in redirecting our attention towards the immediate task at hand, unburdened by the weight of anticipated results. This conscious shift in focus allows us to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the present moment, embracing our responsibilities and endeavors with unwavering dedication. By abstaining from constructing elaborate outcomes of the future, we free ourselves from the shackles of disappointment and dissatisfaction.
The unpredictable nature of existence, intertwined with the enigmatic fabric of the future, necessitates a departure from the creation of thought-up scenarios that elicit anguish. Why should we, then, burden ourselves with fabricated expectations when the true essence of life lies in embracing the uncertainty it presents? By surrendering to the ebb and flow of the present, we unearth the joy and fulfillment inherent in the process itself.
This mindset is impeccably encapsulated in the analogy of a football match, where the sole focus lies in scoring goals in the immediacy of the game, rather than fixating on distant matches. Similar wisdom is imparted through the pursuit of musical mastery, where the musician’s attention rests solely on the melodic progression of the present moment, unencumbered by concerns of their skill level in years to come.
Through the diligent practice of anchoring ourselves in the present and ceaselessly nurturing our awareness, we gradually dismantle the habit of harboring expectations.
The resplendent satisfaction derived from the sheer act of endeavor, whether in crafting a product, presenting a concept to an investor, or indulging in creative expression, becomes our guiding light. We channel our mental faculties away from the precipice of future conjecture and immerse ourselves fully in the tapestry of the present.
Even in the realm of interpersonal relationships, a treacherous terrain fraught with expectations, lies the potential for transformation. Rather than imposing undue demands on others, the path to contentment unfurls through acceptance, compassion, and the altruistic pursuit of brightening another’s day.
Embracing the state of mind encapsulated within this article demands practice, perseverance, and a conscious commitment to relinquishing the allure of anticipated outcomes.
It is an arduous journey towards true mindfulness, where the radiance of the present moment eclipses the shadows cast by expectations.
By treading this path, we unlock the gateway to a more profound, serene, peaceful and fulfilling existence.
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