The Law of Expectation
ABOUT THIS SERIES: In this video 4-part series, Gary Hartfield sits down with NFL Super Bowl Champion and television host, Michael Clayton to discuss the “SEAD” (seed) that has produced much of the success Gary has experienced. Watch the video now.
THE LAW OF EXPECTATION EXPLAINED
“Keep something in front of you…”
As a marketing or advertising professional, studies tell us that we move toward what we consistently see. You should keep something in front of you, even if it’s symbolic, to remind you of what you are working & believing for.
Let’s explore the science behind this law. Dr. Milton Erikson states, “That 85% of what you expect to happen…will.”
Therefore, if you are expecting positive or negative results, the Law of Expectation remains true.
Furthermore, because your expectations are tied into your belief system, you can’t cheat by just wishing or hoping something to happen, or to be a certain way. You must believe in the expectation and actively work to bring the result into fruition.
Dr. Erikson further states, “That your expectations are tied into your belief system.” For example, do you ever wonder why you or other highly motivated people can’t get ahead at times? It’s because your outcomes are tied to your belief system. Somewhere ingrained in your cognition (usually due to a past experience) is the belief you can’t.
The Oxford dictionary describes a “belief system” as a set of mutually supportive beliefs. The beliefs of any such system can be classified as religious, philosophical, ideological, or a combination of these.
Therefore, in order for the positive attributes of Law of Expectation to work for us, we must first examine our belief system and resolve the inhibitors. Is there a past experience or current situation that inhibits your belief system?
Based on my personal experience, this universal law requires not only that you believe in your desired end, but you must also start working/living to bring this end into fruition. How we live reveals what we believe and whether the faith we profess to have is a living faith. Simply put, “belief (faith) without work is dead.” – James 2:26
Finally, as our belief and our work align, it is a good practice to keep an affirmation, a business plan, a picture or some other symbolic illustration in front of us. This reminder helps us to move consistently toward our desired end.
