"You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them."

To really get the essence of this quote, let’s break it down. The heart of this idea is simple: before you can achieve something, you need to believe that you can do it. It’s about self-expectation and the power of mindset. If you don’t think you’re capable of doing something, chances are you won’t even try. And if you do try, you might not give it your all.

Think about the context here. This idea has been echoed by many successful people over the years, particularly in sports or entrepreneurial endeavors. It’s about setting a high bar for yourself, believing in your potential, and then working towards that goal. This mindset is often the first step toward significant achievements.

Let me give you a real-life example. Picture Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. When he was a sophomore, he didn’t even make his school’s varsity team. But instead of giving up, he expected more of himself. He practiced tirelessly, honing his skills, pushing his limits. He believed he could be the best, and that belief drove his actions. Eventually, he didn’t just make the team; he became a legend. His story is a testament to the power of expecting great things from yourself.

So how can you apply this idea in your life? Start by setting realistic, yet challenging goals. Write them down. Now, visualize yourself achieving these goals. Seriously, take a few minutes each day to imagine the process, the struggles, and the ultimate success. This isn’t just daydreaming—visualization can actually prime your mind to work towards these goals.

Next, break your big goal into smaller, manageable steps. Tackle these steps one by one. Celebrate each small victory, and if you stumble, don’t beat yourself up. Just get back up and keep going. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.

Imagine you’re trying to run your first marathon. You might think, “26.2 miles? There’s no way I can do that!” But if you expect that you can, and you start training a bit each day, suddenly it seems more achievable. You begin with a mile, then two, then three. Each run builds your confidence. You start to see yourself as a marathon runner. On race day, you’ve already won half the battle because you’ve convinced yourself that you can do it.

Or think of someone trying to launch a small business. At first, it’s daunting. There are so many hurdles—financing, marketing, finding clients. But if they expect to succeed, they’ll find ways to overcome these challenges. Maybe they start small, validating their idea with a few customers. They learn, adapt, and grow. That initial belief in their potential fuels their journey.

The takeaway? Expect great things of yourself. It’s the first step to actually achieving them. Sure, it’s not a magic formula for success. You still need to put in the work, face setbacks, and adapt. But that expectation can be a powerful motivator, pushing you to reach your full potential. So go ahead, set those high expectations. You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.