In life we often get what we expect. If we expect something
good, it has a way of showing up. If we expect something bad, it too has a way
of showing up.
It reminds me of a story I heard about a wise clerk who
worked at a convenience store in a small town out west.
One day, a stranger walked in, picked up some bread and
milk, and made his way to the cash register.
“New to town?” the clerk asked.
“Yep. Just moved here with my family,” the stranger
replied.
“Well, then let me be the first to welcome you,” the
clerk offered, extending his hand.
“Thanks,” the stranger said as he shook it. “Say, what
are the people like in this town?”
“Well … what were they like in the town you just left?”
the clerk queried.
“Oh, they were fantastic,” the stranger replied.
“Friendly, upbeat, and generous. We hated to leave.”
“I know what you mean,” the clerk nodded. “I think
that’s pretty much what you’ll find here, too.”
A few days later, another stranger walked into the
convenience store. Like the first, he picked up a few staples and headed to the
cash register.
The same clerk asked, “New to town?”
“Yes,” the stranger mumbled. “Just arrived.”
Following the same track, the clerk smiled and extended
his hand. “Let me be the first to welcome you!”
The stranger took his hand reluctantly, frowned, and
quickly looked down. “So what are the people like in this town?”
“Well … what were they like in the town you lived in
last?” the clerk queried.
“Not great,” he stammered. “They were cold, aloof, and
selfish. We were glad to get out of there.” He looked up at the clerk.
“I know what you mean,” the clerk affirmed. “I’m afraid
that’s probably what you’ll find here, too.”
If it’s true that we get what we expect, it’s worth noticing our
expectations—and shifting them toward a more positive outcome.
Source: Michael Hyatt’s Blog, 12
August 2013.