Expect nothing, appreciate everything

A mathematical equation for happiness

The fastest path to disappointment is to have expectations, which sounds like some Buddhist wisdom but is really just math.

The more you expect, the more chances you have to be let down.

Every expectation is like a hidden demand you make of other people, yourself or random circumstances. Like a contract nobody signed, but you’re holding everyone accountable to it anyway.

And when reality doesn’t align with those invisible requirements, you feel disappointed, betrayed even, like the universe has something personal against you. A sure way to misery, in my experience.

Expecting nothing doesn’t mean you become a pessimist or a cynical person, although it can be a hard line to walk sometimes.

It means trying to meet each moment as it comes and dealing with it right there and then, without the story you’ve already written about how it’s supposed to go. Work toward things, have hope and goals, but don’t grip so tightly.

Between expecting nothing and appreciating everything, life becomes strangely generous.