"لا تعد دجاجاتك قبل أن تفقس"

You know that feeling of excitement when you’re looking forward to something big? Maybe it's a job interview you nailed or a project you’re sure is going to take off. There’s a classic bit of advice that pops up in these moments: don’t get ahead of yourself. Basically, don’t assume you've achieved something until it's actually happened. This is what the saying "Don't count your chickens before they are hatched" is all about. It’s a gentle reminder to keep your expectations in check until you have concrete results in hand.

This phrase has been around for ages, probably because it's rooted in agricultural societies where counting chickens before they hatched would have been a common mistake. Farmers would expect a certain number of chicks based on the number of eggs, but not all eggs hatch. This would lead to disappointment and perhaps even poor planning. The idea is to wait for the outcome before making plans based on it.

Let’s put this into a real-life context. Take the story of Jane, a budding entrepreneur. She had this idea for a new app that she was sure would revolutionize social media. She pitched her idea to investors and got some positive feedback. Jane was so confident that she started planning where she’d invest the money she was sure she’d receive. She even put a deposit on a new office space. But when the funding fell through, she was left with a big problem and no way to pay for the office. If Jane had waited until the money was actually in her bank account, she could have avoided a lot of stress and financial strain.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? It’s all about pacing yourself. When you find yourself getting excited about a potential success, take a step back. Ask yourself: Have I seen the results yet? What’s the fallback plan if things don’t go as expected? By keeping a realistic perspective, you’re not dampening your enthusiasm—just grounding it.

Imagine you’re planning a vacation based on a big bonus you’re expecting from work. You’ve picked the destination, booked non-refundable tickets, and even bought a new suitcase. But what if the bonus is delayed or, worse, doesn’t come through? Now you’re either in debt or scrambling to cancel plans. Instead, wait until that bonus hits your account. Then, celebrate by booking your dream trip.

Think about the last time you were sure something would go your way, but it didn’t. Maybe it was a job offer that seemed like a sure thing, or an exam you were certain you aced. The letdown stings more when you’ve mentally banked on the success. Keeping your expectations in check helps cushion that fall.

So, the next time you’re feeling confident about an outcome, pause. Enjoy the excitement, but don’t make any moves until it’s a done deal. You’ll save yourself a lot of potential heartache and stay better prepared for whatever comes your way. It’s a simple strategy, but one that can make a world of difference in how you handle life’s ups and downs. Keep your feet on the ground, and you'll find that you’re better equipped to soar when the time is right.