The Law of Expectation says that whatever we expect with emotional conviction will materialize. This is equally true for both the positive and the negative. Like all the Universal Laws, this one is always in operation. It can be utilized but it cannot be avoided. Everyone in the world uses it every minute of the day. Mastering it to our advantage is what sets the successful apart.



Let's look at the area of dating. How does one behave when approaching a woman with the expectation of positive results? Have you ever noticed how this person seems more confident and self assured? Contrast that with someone who has the expectation of rejection. What is their demeanor like? It is vastly different. Which person is more likely to get a date? Obviously the one with the positive expectation.

Salespeople are trained to use the “presumptive close". This is a technique where the person presumes the prospect wants his or her product. After making the presentation, the sales agent is trained to begin handling the paperwork. It is presumed the person is buying. The expectation is that a sale will result on this call. Often, that is exactly what transpires.

Behaviors Model Expectations

Have you ever heard of the studies which were done to prove that expectations become results? What happens when a child is labeled a “troublemaker"? It is common to see the behavior model that viewpoint. The same is true for the student who is termed “gifted". We alter our behavior to meet the expectations of others. Again, this goes both ways. A positive expectation will produce positive results while a negative one will create worse behavior.

The most famous study is that of Pavlov's dog. This is the experiment where Pavlov rang a bell before giving it a treat. Repeatedly, he rang the bell and the dog got a treat. After a while, the dog started to respond to the ringing of the bell. His expectation was that a treat would be arriving next. Pavlov noticed that the dog exhibited the physical traits that reflected the expectation. This is how powerful our expectations can be.

Expect Success

One of the things that sets professional superstars apart from their peers is the expectation that they carry. Mohammad Ali liked to proclaim “I am the greatest". This provided the expectation to both fighters that Ali was going to win. Michael Jordon expected to make every buzzer beating shot. It was a foregone conclusion in his mind. John Elway expected to drive his team down the field in the last two minutes of the game. The expectation of success made these men some of the greatest of all time in their particular sports.

A way to quickly enhance your life is to adopt positive expectations in all that you do. Expect the situations to work out like you would like them. Place this positive emphasis on the others that you interact with. You will notice the results in your life improving. Remember, the Law of Expectation is always in operation. Consciously choosing to focus on positive outcomes will put this law to work for us. Expect more and that is what you will get.