Self-expectations create anxiety within you. These high expectations of yourself have been internalized from years of conditioning by outside forces - maybe your parents, a teacher or others you may have looked up to when you were young. When you feel you haven't met certain expectations, you may even feel as if you have failed. For example, if your father was a world renown cardiac surgeon and your grandfather was a brilliant brain surgeon and you faint at the sight of blood, failure has already set in. You went down a different path becoming an architect or something in marketing, but the expectations you put on yourself tell you that you aren't as good as dad or grandpa - even though you may be quite successful.

You are in control. You can decide that you will not tolerate needless outside interference or pressure. This is your life, and you can absolutely live it your way! There is no need to allow yourself to be swayed by the opinions of others. Just by making your self-expectations realistic and achievable, you set yourself up for success.