A stranger responded to us rudely.

An email didn’t get the response it deserved, nor in a proper time frame.

A best friend wasn’t there during our most challenging time.

An employee didn’t show up on time for the meeting.

A neighbour didn’t smile back as we said hi.

A project wasn’t delivered as planned.

Often, we only see others and the world from our vantage point, and it’s from that same place that we set our expectations. The problem is that it leads to unreasonable expectations, frustration, and unproductive behaviours.

A more constructive approach is creating agreements with others, not just making ones by ourselves.

It’s far easier to have set expectations for others. It’s much harder to be vulnerable and collaborate with them to develop these, and yet, when we do, we get powerful agreements.

And even then, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s life is as rich and complicated as ours.           

The moment we have this realization is called sonder. Sonder prevents us from developing entitlement and leads to empathy and more productive experiences.

Also, it’s just the right thing to do.

Miguel,
Sparknotion – Think Differently.

Leave a comment