Creating a momentum Mindset: The Expectation Equation

Setting meaningful goals can feel like navigating a labyrinth, but with the right framework, the path becomes clearer. Enter the "Expectation Equation," a practical lens through which you can align your aspirations with the realities of life. At its core, this framework acknowledges the trade-offs between three key factors: difficulty, time, and expense. Every goal requires a balance of these elements, and the approach you choose should reflect the trade-off that best suits your unique situation. By focusing on the factor you’re most comfortable managing- whether it’s dedicating more effort, stretching the timeline, or increasing financial investment- you can create a plan that feels achievable and realistic. This isn’t just about dreaming big; it’s about designing a strategy that aligns with your life, your resources, and your readiness to act.

There are three things that have come to drive the decision-making process. Because of this much of the language of advertising focuses on highlighting these three things.

Fast   -  Easy   -  Free

Even though many of the things we hold to be most valuable are associated with the opposite of Fast, Easy, and Free, the temptation to seek them out in our Daily Decisions is often overwhelming. Perhaps this is connected to some deep psychological need for speed, to avoid pain and to conserve resources? Or perhaps our society has made us lazy. In either case, we are surrounded with signs that point the way to something happening faster, being easier or costing less. It is so common that we have come to expect it. 

The Expectation Equation Graph is a simple way to adjust your expectation in one that is based on real world performance, not the persuasion of advertising.

This is a tool to help you set the right expectations when making decisions that matter. 

To work the Expectation Equation, you first select what you want on the outside of the triangle. Then you should expect it to require the two things on the inside of the triangle on the opposite side.

If you want something to be Easy, you should expect it to take a long time (slow) and have a high cost (expensive.)

If you want something to happen Fast, then expect it to both hard and expensive

If you want something to be free , then expect it to take a long time and be difficult.

For the purpose of this graph, hard can be defined as difficult in skill or in understanding.  And, expensive can be defined as money or effort.

Having the right expectation can often be the thing that makes the difference when you face the real-world response to your actions. People with the wrong expectations often quit.

Imagine someone who starts with the expectation that running long distances will become easy after a few weeks of training. They begin their journey with enthusiasm but quickly face the harsh reality: training is grueling, progress is slow, and the discomfort never truly goes away—it just becomes manageable.

If they hold onto their initial, unrealistic expectation, the moment they hit the wall—the physical and mental exhaustion experienced in long-distance running—they might quit, convinced that they've failed or that they're simply not cut out for it. In contrast, someone who enters training with the expectation that it's supposed to be hard, that struggles and setbacks are part of the process, is far more likely to persevere. They are mentally prepared for the discomfort and see it as a natural step toward their goal rather than a sign that they should stop.

Having the right expectation can often be the defining factor in how you respond to the real-world outcomes of your actions. It can mean the difference between persevering through challenges or giving up when the path becomes tough. People with the wrong expectations often quit, not because they lack the ability, but because they weren’t mentally prepared for the realities of the journey.

Think about it: Where did the expectations you have for your active projects come from? Are they rooted in experience and research, or are they influenced by assumptions or external pressures? What might you be holding back on because of false or overly optimistic expectations? And finally, are you truly clear on what to expect—both the victories and the setbacks—while working on your plans?

Understanding and aligning your expectations is not just an exercise in preparation; it’s a powerful tool for resilience. The more clarity you have, the more capable you become of navigating the challenges with confidence and purpose

Creating a Momentum Mindset are ideas and concepts from the book Alpha Flow.  Alpha Flow is a collection of concepts used by the author Earl Mann, taken from his experience as a Marine Corps Officer, and 30 Years as a Hi-Tech and Startup Entrepreneur.  Earl is a Biohacker and Founder of Hydration Station LV, a hydrogen water store in Las Vegas.