It seems that often we go into a situation expecting one outcome, ours.
The problem is that the outcome of a situation is rarely as we expected (A friend of mine once said "Expectations and assumptions are a mother-BLEEP)." Which I have found to be fairly true.
Now, one way that can help you strategize in all aspects of life is learning that the outcome you want out of a situation is not going to happen even if it did and if it did it's worth celebrating.
After you make this a life rule, now use that rusty tool that was given to you as a child called. imagination .
Okay, here it comes. Now, use your imagination to think about all the alternative outcomes or responses that will come out of the situation you are in, while in this state try to align your emotions accordingly. Emotions are not bad, but they can be deceiving and cause you to loose a sense of "Reality".
For example, let's say I ask my father for a car. I have to imagine several things and take what I know about his personality into the mix.
- First find out the best way to ask.
- How will you react if he were to say something besides what you are expecting?
- If he says no? Then what? Do you cry, keep asking, negotiate...
- If he says yes, but adds limits. Do I throw a fit, or agree?
It is crucial to your mental health, self-discipline, leadership, and maturity to learn how to deal with your own reactions. It is a struggle that you most likely will never overcome, but it's something you might become a guru at.