I think it was Bruce Lee who once said, “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”

Bruce has a point, but you and I know that it’s easier said than done. And plus, we’re never playing table tennis with nunchucks.

Today we’re talking about, you guessed it, managing and setting expectations.

When clients, who’ve seen your existing work, come knocking at your door, they have expectations—of what you can and can’t do for them.

When prospective employees, who’ve heard about your company culture come looking for a job, they have expectations—to do good work and be challenged professionally on a daily basis.

When people of the opposite sex hear about your all-around likeable persona and voracious capacity to listen, they have expectations—on how you could become a valuable asset in their life.

And there you are centre stage—juggling flaming bottles of expectations—feeling the heat, putting on a spectacle.

Too—many—em—dash—huh?

Congratulations on setting the bar on fire. Not only are people impressed, but they are lining up to shake your hand and grab a selfie.

And this mischievous character, on your far left, dressed in a blood red sheath, itching to take you home—cuts in line. It’s Scarlett Johansson meets Sofia Vergara.