Memento Mori Lab

#02 Expectations


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Expectations - This episode starts with a little poem called Expectations, and then we dive a little deeper into this topic and how it affects our creative process. Expectations are one of the many ways fear shows up and gets in the way of our creativity. I feel that in my writing, doodling, or anytime I'm trying to bring ideas to life. At times I freeze and just toss the project aside because I know it won't match the idea in my mind. Other times, I follow through, but still, the result is a disappointment. And that's all because we create unrealistic expectations and let fear take over. Maybe, just bringing this to light might soften the impact it has on our creativity. Being aware of something is half the battle.

Here are the links to a couple of things mentioned in this episode:

  • Stoicism: Negative visualization
  • Tim Ferriss: Fear setting
  • Memento Mori Lab is our permission slip to experiment, try new things, and keep bringing ideas to life. In my case, that means writing mediocre poetry, some stories and scripts, doodling, and recording this podcast. Memento Mori reminds us, we are going to die. Whatever creative endeavor you've been postponing, now is the time to take action.

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    Twitter: @mementomorilab 


    The poem: Expectations

    Expectations fester inside, growing

    Stronger every day, suffocating me.
    Unachievable illusions, we see
    What could be but never will.
    Built with what we cannot touch,
    The floor's far from steady
    But the barriers feel so sturdy.

    I try to keep my pace, and my peace,

    As the invisible voice whispers,
    "Why bother doing anything at all?
    Nothing will ever live up to our vision."
    A line from Fear's playbook,
    page 12, unrealistic expectations.

    At every unexpected turn, I see

    Another crack on the floor,
    Until all the walls, columns and hopes crumble.
    Pieces of disappointment everywhere,
    Fear's favorite collection of trophies.
    If only I'd stepped into the present instead.

    By @mayragomes_8  

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    Memento Mori LabBy Mayra Gomes