By Scott Clary

High expectations of other people is a bad investment strategy.

You’re putting your emotional ROI in someone else’s hands. They didn’t agree to the terms. They don’t even know they’re holding your portfolio.

Then they don’t perform and you’re upset. But upset at what? A contract they never signed.

The happiest people I know figured this out early:

→ Stop expecting people to read your mind
→ Stop expecting them to prioritize what you prioritize
→ Stop expecting them to show up the way you would

Not because people suck. Because people are busy, distracted, and running their own lives.

The math is simple. Fewer expectations = fewer letdowns = more peace.

This isn’t cynicism. It’s just taking back control of inputs you never actually controlled.

Own your own mood. Stop renting it out.