When I recognize what’s essential I’m better equipped for balancing expectations and execution. That is, I know and do what’s essential.
One place life quickly gets out of balance is with expectations and execution.
For example, I fret over the expectations of others. Worse yet, I have unrealistic expectations of myself. As a result, no level of execution satisfies me!
What to do? One way out of this trap is to grasp what’s essential, then focus there.
The Essentials
Balancing expectations and execution is a constant struggle. That is, it’s a lifelong challenge rather than a one-and-done event.
Now, when Solomon addressed this balance, he spoke of knowing and doing. Specifically, of the law and the precepts.
Hence, the law is knowing – I know what I’m supposed to do. That’s expectations. Whereas the precepts are the doing. That is, the practical application of the law in my daily life.
Proverbs 3.1-12 is one place where he discusses these fundamentals. There, he lists several life practices – the essentials – that facilitate the expectation-execution balance in my life.
1). First is faith, Proverbs 3.5-6.
2). Second is humility, Proverbs 3.7-8.
3). Then, wise stewardship of resources, Proverbs 3.9-10.
4). Finally, is a growth mindset, Proverbs 3.11-12.
In fact, faith, humility, stewardship, and a growth mindset are first principles, or first things, that are essential to a balanced life.
More critically, a life lived in balance enjoys greater capacity, Proverbs 3.2 and 3.16 – “length of days” that is, more done in a day.
Apply This Today!
Now, wisdom that stops with knowing may recognize expectations, but doesn’t move to execution. Why? Because I’m convinced I need more data before I can take action!
What’s worse, knowing alone leads to hypocrisy and self-consumption because there’s no practical application of what I’m learning.
Remember, capacity building is an outcome of a balanced life, NOT the creator of balance between expectations and execution!
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