noun:

a belief that someone will or should achieve something

This definition of expectation includes a few very magical words:

belief: when we think something about ourselves long enough, it becomes a belief

will/should: will includes determination; should, on the other hand, includes a level of emotional risk

achieve: the successful completion of something by effort, courage, or skill

When we hold ourselves to something we should achieve then we run the risk of creating unnecessary negative emotion. An expectation may have a net negative effect when we believe we should get a certain result and don’t get that result. Alternatively, an expectation tends to be more rooted in belief when we set the stage as a result we will accomplish.

The key is in the timing. Will coupled with massive action assumes the result will happen eventually. Belief is there, pressure is not. Should assumes it must happen with a certain amount of pressure.

When we release the word should as it relates to expectations we hold ourselves to, then we’re free to accomplish what we will.