Dashed Expectations

We all have expectations about how life is going to go, or how events will unfold, or what should or should not happen to us. You don't even know you have some of these expectations until they are not met.

Expectation #1---If I really diet, I will lose weight quickly.
Here's an example of how the first week goes:

Day 1: Weigh in at 140. Be good, eat right.
Day 2: Weigh in at 139. Be even better, eat right.
Day 3: Weigh in at 140. Huh? But I ate less.
Day 4: Weigh in at 139. Oh, okay. Still eating right.
Day 5: Weigh in at 141. What!?
Day 6: Weigh in at 141. How can this be? I am starving.
Day 7: Weigh in at 140. Sighs, tears, random swearing.

Truth is, if you stick calmly to your diet, you will lose about one pound a week. One pound!? We are shocked because when we were [young, a jock, in school, childless, single, and so on] we lost weight much more quickly than this. In fact, we rarely gained weight. Whining must be done, but it really is no use. Quit your diet as often as you need to, but know that when you stick to it in earnest, you will lose an average of one pound a week. Some weeks you lose no pounds.

Expectation #2---Others will be supportive, interested, and want to join in my diet.
No, no, and no. Or rather maybe, in certain circumstances, but no. Keep your diet private. It is not a club. You don't need to convince anybody but yourself. Beware the saboteurs, including yourself. Get ready for the long haul without any cheerleaders, saviors, or fellow complainers.

Expectation #3---The diet will be over and I will return to my former happiness, sans fat.
The weight loss part of your diet will end, but if you don't develop a good maintenance diet, fat will return, and then some. Resolving issues that might have contributed to weight gain is also a very good idea.