How do you effectively manage expectations?

As a Star Trek fan, I say "Oh I always hope for the best. Experience, unfortunately, has taught me to always expect the worst." -- Garak (ST: DS9)

CW4 (Join to see) I set obtainable goals weekly, monthly and yearly. Look for motivation from the past to drive my future. Never not try. Accept failure as a temporary set back for my next goal.

"The best way out is always through."
- Robert Frost

I will be using your board example with my patients. Thanks, CW3 Tiaqunia (TJ) Hayes!

A few things work for me --

1) If I can't control it, I stay aware, but don't stress over it.
2) If I can control it, then there is no need to stress over it.
3) There is only so much room on my plate -- if I want to add something, something has to come off. It is a choice of "I can do several things well or a hundred things poorly...
4) Lastly, undersell and overdeliver --