What I have learned from a quote of Stephen Hawking

Source: Times of Malta

Recently there was something happened in my experience in Steemit and the community I was joining.

One guy has brought me up a situation, in which that may bring me some discomfort.

Indeed, imagine that if you have spent a lot of effort to do something, then an outcome is entirely different from what you are expecting, what you may feel?

Frustrated? Yes, I am.

No matter what you are doing and what you are trying to do, if an outcome is not what you are expecting, the first feeling would be frustration. There are many levels of disappointments, in which lead to the similar result is stress, anger, and jealousy.

I was there before

I have to admit that in the past, I used to have a lot of expectations, for my works, for my contributions and for other people who I am working. Later on, I stumbled upon a great quote by a great man, Stephen Hawking:

“My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus.”
-Stephen Hawking

Source: As quoted in The Science of Second-Guessing, The New York Times (12 December 2004), referenced by IZQuotes

A little bit about this quote:

I haven't read the full book yet, but I have learned that Stephen Hawking diagnosed with ALS (a special decease that makes the patient's life much shorter). He was diagnosed and expected to live only to the age of 21. However, he kept his spirit up and continue his left later on.

Why you are telling me this?

We are all living the life full of expectation. That is certain that everyone is looking forward to achieving something with a degree of expectation. However, if we try to reduce our expectation to a certain level, which may help us to live a more comfortable life, what is the worst thing that can ever happen?

“My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus,” Stephen Hawking told the New York Times in 2004, after being asked how he kept his spirits up. “Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.”

What do you define the meaning of your life? Are you going to live a life full of stress, anger, and jealousy because something doesn't live up to your expectation?

No, I will not live that life, not anymore.

I am trying to live a simple life, giving out as much as I can, without an expectation that someone may recognize my effort and will praise me. To me, living with less expectation to others and my life has improved it significantly.

Back to my case, I have the right to stand up and claim the credit for my work, my contribution. But instead, I have decided to live on and start another thing. After all, I have asked myself, why did I begin this project? Did I expect someone to praise me? Not at all. Therefore, let's keep it that way.

But, this is not an excuse for low productivity. Please bear in mind that this quote and my article only give you how I am trying to live a simpler, more meaningful life, not about putting away all my dreams and goals. I do have dreams and goals, and I am trying hard to achieve it, but by myself, without an expectation that someone will join in and help me with my own life.

Much easier, then.