Want To Have A Life Of Happiness? Psychologists Say Try To Set Realistic Hopes

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JAKARTA - Having hope in life is important, but unrealistic expectations are often the cause of disappointment, stress, and unsustainable happiness.

The following is an explanation of why setting realistic expectations can lead to prosperity and longer-lasting happiness reported by VOI from various sources, Thursday, September 4.

According to research from Greater Good Magazine, realistic expectations help you make better decisions and make it easier for you to learn from experience. When something exceeds expectations, happiness increases but if it just suits, happiness remains stable. Meanwhile, expectations are too high often lost to ordinary realities.

As an illustration of the importance of adjusting expectations, the survey shows that the Danish people, known as the happiest population in the world, have the right to choose a lower life expectancy than other similar countries such as Sweden or Finland.

Research from Psych Central confirms that unrealistic expectations can trigger disappointment and anger, as you tend to look forward to impossible changes. On the other hand, having realistic expectations allows you to formulate a precise coping strategy based on what can be controlled.

Thomas Plante, Ph.D., in Psychology Today, also reminds that pursuing perfection in careers, families, or living in general can be counterproductive. So that it is wiser to set realistic expectations to maintain happiness.

The expectations that can be achieved encourage happiness and satisfaction in life, while expectations that are too high can cause feelings of insufficient and frustration. In addition, the ability to apply realistic expectations also strengthens gratitude, because you can appreciate small things as a valuable achievement in life.

In the field of relationships, expectations that are too ideal can cause conflict and disappointment. Meanwhile, realistic expectations open up space to understand each other and build healthier communication.

According to Victoria Storr, realistic expectations also mean giving space for unexpected things. When something goes better than expected, it increases happiness. Schedule loose time, not controlling every detail provides an opportunity for an unexpected experience that enriches life.

Setting realistic expectations doesn't mean you have to be pessimistic. In fact, it provides emotional stability, allows practical planning, strengthens resilience, and allows you to find happiness in simple and unexpected surprises. True happiness does not come from perfection, but from a balance between hope and reality.