The expectation effect

Your expectations impact your experience

August 01, 2022

Hey there —

Take a glance at this (slightly creepy) image.

What do you see?

A rabbit? 🐇 
A duck? 🦆 
Both?

Fun fact: If you were shown this image on a random Sunday in October, you’d probably spy the duck. But look at it on Easter Sunday, and it’s more likely you’ll spot the rabbit. That’s because, after weeks of walking through aisles of marshmallow bunny Peeps and chocolate rabbits, you’d be primed to expect more of the same.

This famous “duck-rabbit” illustration, popularized by Joseph Jastrow in the late 1900s, is a powerful reminder of how our expectations impact our experience.

Culture, education, society, relationships, the media we consume — these are all things that shape our perspective and beliefs. And, in turn, the expectations formed by those beliefs influence our health, happiness, and success.

💊 It’s why patients who unknowingly take sugar pills report feeling better. (Hello, placebo effect.)

👵 It’s also why folks who see aging as an inevitable downward spiral have a higher chance of developing hearing loss, frailty, and even Alzheimers. (An effect also known as the placebo’s evil twin, the “nocebo.” Seriously.)S

cience journalist David Robson defines this “expectation effect” as “the phenomenon where we create self-fulfilling prophecies from our beliefs.”

In at least some instances, it would seem that what you expect really is what you get.

No, this isn’t where we start suggesting that you simply “manifest your dreams.” You can’t will something into existence just by “thinking” about it. (No matter how awesome that would be.)

Rather, as Robson explains, you can use your expectations as tools to create a better mindset. One geared toward positivity and growth.

Instead of expecting to be passed over for that job, choose to be hopefully optimistic. 🤞

Rather than expecting your subscriber count to triple overnight, remember that progress comes with patience and persistence. 🐢

Instead of expecting others to dismiss your ideas, believe that people will value your perspective. 👏

By shifting your expectations, ​​you’ll gain a greater sense of positivity, confidence, and motivation to continue toward your goals. All of which can have a very real effect on the outcome.

So go ahead, raise your expectations – and then capitalize on the results. ✨ 

It’s Okay to Outgrow The Life You Thought You Wanted

Article | by Rainesford Stauffer

Whether it’s your race car bed or braces, we’re all familiar with outgrowing things. 🏎

But what about outgrowing the life you thought you wanted?

Rainesford Stauffer dives into the messy – and often painful – experience of letting go of old dreams and offers some hopeful thoughts on how to move forward.

6 Signs You’re Overspending, Plus 4 Tips to Get Back in Control

Article | by Paco de Leon

You’ve probably heard of Murphy’s law, but have you heard of Paco’s law?

Paco de Leon, author of Finance for the People, shares her belief that “your spending will equal what you have available to spend” and offers some mindset shifts and practical solutions to help you avoid financial regrets.

The Zen Zone

Tool | by Tim Holman

Need a moment of zen?The Zen Zone offers a digital meditation area through a series of “mildly amusing and oddly satisfying activities,” which you can complete with a gentle swipe or click of your mouse.

We recommend taking some deep, intentional breaths while you enjoy a minute of “swirl.”

Written by Alice Lemée