How To Set Realistic Expectations For Yourself

This post was made in partnership with Depend® brand. All opinions are my own.

Since the winter of 2020, things have changed. Our daily lives and constant updates from the news and medical community have put us on edge and made tasks much more difficult. But the truth is that – at least for now – the world is different and we have to be different in it. 

If you are like me, you had a trip or two planned (or at least imagined!), dates with a few large events on your calendar (weddings, baptisms, bar mitzvahs), and family members who were hoping to see you or your kids. There were camps for the children to attend, maybe a girls day away or friends that came to town once per year that you always got together with.

Most of that can’t happen now, and it’s disappointing. These are the things we expected and were used to, but in this day and age, we need to learn to change our expectations and give ourselves a break. 

Focus On One Thing

For many of us, trying to get through the day involves wading through a cloud in our minds. We are having trouble focusing – and once we’re finally able to focus, a phone rings, the cat meows, the kids need something or it is time to make dinner. 

You can’t expect yourself to behave like you did in 2019. With the level of distraction that we are currently living in, you need to dial it down. If you have to make a decision (large or small), don’t put it off. Focus on the one thing at that one moment, make a decision and be on to the next. 

If the decision is something that requires someone else’s input or you can’t make that instant decision, make a note in your calendar for a time when will be most appropriate. That way you don’t have to hold on to remembering and you won’t be disappointed in yourself for forgetting. 

Know Last Minute Changes Will Happen

In our previous lives (can we call it that yet?), the occasional cancellation would happen. Someone would get sick and plans would get cancelled or a thunderstorm would happen and the barbecue would have to move indoors. It was a bummer, but we rolled with the punches. 

These days, we have to be able to accept those changes constantly. You may not like them, but they are bound to happen more often than not. Whether it is something major like your area taking a step back down to stage 3 or something minor like your favorite restaurant closing for the weekend so that they can have a thorough cleaning, we are living in the land of constant change. If you can help yourself expect and accept that these things will happen, you’ll have a much easier time managing your emotions and disappointments. 

Travel Is In Your Hands

For so many of us, travel plans were cancelled. Whether you were going on a cruise, visiting another country or traveling to stay with the in-laws, you might not be able to do that any longer – but that doesn’t mean that you can’t travel. You just need to change your outlook.

While we all want to experience a cruise or another country, the most important part of travel is about experiencing something with the people you want to be with. So do it, just do it differently! In 2020, road trips and RV rentals are all the rage. Take the family and explore a part of the country you’ve never been to.

Don’t have a car that you want to travel in? Plan a staycation! Find a local hotel (bring cleaning supplies and clean the room yourself before staying if you are concerned about sanitizing) and then plan activities in the area. Pack a few extra masks and explore things like fruit picking, hiking, kayaking or boating, or any other activities that you are comfortable with in the area. It is all about making memories with your people.

Be Open To Trying New Things

One major key to managing your expectations is being open. You need to be open to changes, to new things, and to altering the way you’ve done things in the past. One of the biggest examples of this was a few months ago when many of us went to the grocery store. You would look at the shelves and you could get almost everything you wanted, but it might have been available in brands you’ve never heard of or refrigerated instead of frozen. It was what it was, but we made it work. 

There are some things that still haven’t made it onto store shelves and others where new items have been introduced. Which is the case with the new Depend Silhouette underwear, a great option for bladder leakage. What’s better, between July 5-11, 2020, at CVS retailers, anyone can get a 4-ct variety pack of the new Silhouette product for only $.99. Perfect for trying out the product in each of the 4 available colors at a fantastic price!

Start Again Tomorrow

Our days aren’t easy, so try to take each one as an individual experience. If today was a rough day, remember that tomorrow is brand new. If today was wonderful, try to really live in it so that you can preserve those feelings for yourself. Each and every day, remind yourself that you get to start again tomorrow. 

You can and will make it through these challenging times, but it will be easier for you if you can learn to adjust your expectations. Enjoy the positives and try to make a few good memories so that you can look back on this period of life and have some happiness to remember.