Satisfaction : Ways to improve

Satisfaction (S) in its basic form is results (R) minus expectations (E).

S = R – E

To maximize satisfaction, ideally expectations need to be brought down to zero whilst striving for excellence to get results.

I understand we all do things with certain expectations in mind and its close to impossible to not have any, but lowering your expectations as much as you can, will amplify the results you produce when viewed in isolation.

Now what does it mean when I say viewing results in isolation? The way we humans view results are relative, that is in comparison with something. We don’t normally view things in isolation. Let me give you an example.

Say you just bought a house worth one million dollars whilst your friend bought a house worth two million dollars, double of what your house is worth and it’s got a nice pool, a big backyard, space to park multiple cars, something that your one-million dollar house does not have. Now how would you react to it? The obvious response would be getting jealous and kicking yourself that you couldn’t afford the same.

The fact that you were able to buy a house is not being viewed in isolation here but in comparison to what your friend bought. In essence what you’re basically doing is undermining your own result relative to that of your friend’s. You’re now fully convinced buying that two-million dollar house is what’s going to make you feel more satisfied. Unfortunately, this has a very detrimental impact on your satisfaction level. Therefore, as much as you can, try to view your results in isolation. Results when viewed in isolation would appear bigger in your eyes.

Okay, how can we bring down expectations? The key to set lower expectations is to do things for the love of it without focusing on the outcome. Say you’re in the beach watching people surf. If you go up to them and ask, why are you folks surfing? Would you hear them say – we want to become professional surfers, or would you rather hear them say – we just want to have a good time? When you do things with no strings attached and purely for the love of it, that’s when you reduce expectations.

In conclusion, if you want to improve your satisfaction level, do these two things :

• First, strive for excellence but try to view results in isolation.
• Second, set lower expectations by doing things for the love of it.

Don’t forget satisfaction is after all results minus expectations.

You can also watch the talk here below.