The Painful Truth About Unrealistic Expectations

If you’re anything like me, you set wild, ambitious targets every week—believing if you plan hard enough, you’ll blitz through your goals. Yet, reality bites. No matter my experience as a strategic planner, no matter how many contingency plans I stack, I used to find I'd always fall short of these overblown expectations.

I realised this wasn’t just about planning. The real miscalculation? Deadlines. I consistently thought, “I’ll smash this out in no time!” But when I brought my team into the fold—or even just myself on a rough day—the plan unravelled. Tasks took longer. Delays crept in. Progress slowed.

The 70% Rule—and Why It Changed My Game

Here’s my secret: if someone can do a job 70% as well as I can, that’s good enough to delegate. But here’s the clincher—remember that the output speed matters just as much as the quality. Expecting people to move at your pace, with your business knowledge, is a fast track to disappointment.

Now, I double every task time when setting deadlines for the team—even for myself sometimes! If I think something will take a week, I give it two. This “double-it” habit builds buffer-room for feedback, learning, and those inevitable bumps in the road.

It’s not about lowering standards. It’s about beating self-delusion—and giving people (yourself included) the space to excel, not just survive.

Structured Systems: My ‘DEADLINE’ Framework

I live by this structured approach. Each task I delegate gets a full breakdown:

• Description

• Employee (who's responsible)

• Due date

• Estimated length of time

• Importance (priority)

• Number of recurrences

• End result

This clarity means fewer dropped balls, more ownership, and—crucially—deadlines that get met.

Real Change = Real Impact

Missing deadlines isn’t always about underperformers. Sometimes, it’s us with the unrealistic expectations (guilty as charged!). By adjusting the way I plan, I’ve seen huge improvements in what I, and my team, actually deliver.

And when it comes to my global ultramarathon challenge—this mind shift is everything. There’s no shortcut to circling the planet on foot, or hitting an audacious fundraising goal. It’s about relentless progress, yes—but also pragmatic self-management.

Your Action Step

The next time you scope out a project, whether it’s work, fitness, or a personal challenge, time yourself honestly—then DOUBLE IT. Give yourself—and those you work with—the space to succeed. You’ll be amazed at what you can really achieve over time.

Are you ready to set achievable goals, smash your personal bests, and help me save lives along the way?
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Leave a comment: Have you been burnt by unrealistic expectations before? How do you set practical goals now? I read and reply to EVERY message.

Stay positive. Stay happy. Let’s go further—together.