It’s human nature to want to get the very most out of life, but it’s inevitable that some things don’t turn out as we would have liked them to. You could make yourself substantially happier if you simply adjust your expectations.
As a student at Cambridge University, the world-renowned physicist and author Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. In Hawking’s case, it led to the gradual loss of his motor functions, eventually leaving him almost completely paralysed.
In an interview in 2004, Hawking was asked how he managed to remain so cheerful. “My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21,” he replied. “Everything since then has been a bonus.”
It’s a powerful lesson that all of us can learn from: human beings are generally happier when they lower their expectations. It’s not how things turn out that’s most important, but the gap between reality and what we were expecting. Adjusting your expectations really can be transformational.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE
PREVIOUSLY ON TEBI
The case for fixed-income index funds
Why women benefit from financial advice
Style drift means you don’t know what you’re buying
CONTENT FOR ADVICE FIRMS
Through our partners at Regis Media, TEBI provides a wide range of high-quality content for financial advice and planning firms. The material is designed to help educate clients and to engage with prospects.
As well as exclusive content, we also offer a wide range of pre-produced videos which explain how investing works and the valuable role that a good financial adviser can play.
If you would like to find out more, why not visit the Regis Media website and YouTube channel? If you have any specific enquiries, email Robin Powell, who will be happy to help you.
© The Evidence-Based Investor MMXXIV
