Life-changing habit: Stop expecting to stop suffering

We often do things with a hidden hope:
“If I do this, I’ll get that.”
“If I’m kind, they’ll respect me.”
“If I work hard, success will come fast.”
But life doesn’t always work like that.

The effect of expectations

Expectations quietly sneak in and control us.
When things don’t go as expected, we feel frustrated, disappointed, even angry.
Not because something bad happened — but because we expected something better.

Karma Yoga

But what if we just focused on the action itself?
What if we gave our best, simply because it’s the right thing to do — without demanding results?

That’s what “karma yoga” teaches:
Do your duty. Do your work. Let go of the result.
Not because you don’t care — but because the result is never fully in your hands.

Think about it: A farmer plants seeds, waters them, takes care of the soil…
But can he expect the rain? Or control how fast the plants grow?
No. He just does his part — and leaves the rest to nature.

Expectancy Theory

The expectancy theory explains that people are motivated when they believe their actions will lead to a desired outcome. However, when results are uncertain or rewards seem out of reach, motivation drops, and performance may suffer. This means that putting too much emphasis on expected outcomes can actually demotivate when results don’t follow.

Experimental research found that while setting goals boosts performance, simply raising expectations about outcomes (without actionable steps) does not increase effort or results

We have all seen this. Elon Musk: Known for repeatedly risking everything on his ventures, Musk works with exceptional focus and action, iterating and improving even after failures. He openly credits his progress not to expecting instant results, but to acting, learning, and adjusting from experience.

Some of the most successful people in the world say the same thing:
They didn’t get where they are by obsessing over outcomes.
They simply showed up every day, gave their all, and let life take its course.

Takeaway

When you stop expecting, you stop suffering.
You free yourself.
You become peaceful — and strangely, more powerful.
Because you no longer depend on results to feel happy.

So whatever you’re doing — study, work, relationships — do it with love and focus.
But drop the baggage of “what will I get from this?”
Just do. Just be.

And you may just achieve far more than you ever imagined.

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