When I work to achieve a goal, one of most difficult things to do is let go of the results.
When I don’t get what I want
If I set my heart on the results, and the outcome isn’t what I hoped, I experience anything from mild disappointment to discouragement to utter devastation.
When I do get what I want
You’d think success would bring only happiness. But my reactions have been mixed.
— Exuberance. Then emptiness when the congratulations from others stopped flowing.
— Feeling superior to others when I’ve been recognized for my talents. Then self-loathing and sadness when I realized I chose to practice that horrible characteristic.
— Exposed and afraid. Like the entire world was looking. Judging my frailties and flaws. Waiting to pounce the next time I’m not successful.
Thankfully, some experiences left me humbly grateful for the acknowledgment of my accomplishment. This is the only reaction that makes me feel like I did the right thing.
What I really don’t want
I don’t want the result to be my focus. Because failure or success can be hard taskmasters.
Being ruled by a task or its outcome is a terrible quagmire of captivity.
What I really do want
I want to do what I feel God wants, and to turn the outcome over to Him.
If I do that, I always get freedom. And the peace that comes with it.
Regardless of the result.
And freedom and peace are always better than any result that failure, or success, provides.
What helps you let go of expectations and results?
Freedom from Results – What helps you let go of expectations and results? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Thank you so much for this post, Joni. Such transparency and insight you’ve given us. I can identify with almost all of what you wrote. For me, I have to remember I do what I do for an audience of One. I pray my efforts will glorify Him.
I appreciate you reading and commenting, Tim. Yes, it is a good reminder of Who our audience is – and that He will make sure the others who need to read our words will see them.
Thank you for this blog, Joni. I’ve felt some of the same things you describe. My desire also is to follow God’s leading and leave the results to Him—continuing to learn to do that. Blessings to you, my friend.
Thanks, Kim, for reading and sharing. Blessings to you as well! 🙂
Joni,
You posts are always so truthful, honest, and open with your feelings, which are the exact same feelings most people experience and have to work through. I know I do.
I think your plan is the best for dealing with expectations and results… “I want to do what I feel God wants, and turn the outcome over to Him.” I like what someone else said too, “Who do you put on the throne… you or God?”
Thank you for reading and sharing, Jane. I like your comment about who is on the throne.