logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
15m 12s

#487 The Joy of Less: The Anticipation T...

DR. ROBERT PUFF, PH.D.
About this episode

The Joy of Less: The Anticipation Trap

Expectations are a double-edged sword. While they can motivate us to achieve our goals, they can also lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction if they are not met. Often, when our expectations are met, we merely feel like we've broken even, rather than exceeded anything. This is due to our tendency to adapt to new levels of pleasure or success, and the constant comparison we make to others. 

However, by understanding the nature of expectations, setting realistic goals,and embracing a "good enough" mindset, we can free ourselves from the trap of constantly chasing after the next thing and find more contentment in the present moment. By managing expectations and focusing on the journey, not just the destination, we open ourselves up to the possibility of exceeding our own expectations and those of others, leading to even greater rewards and satisfaction.

New Happiness Podcast episode with Dr. Robert Puff, Newport Beach Psychologist

🎧 Listen to all Episodes of the Happiness Podcast NOW! https://www.HappinessPodcast.org

💛 Do you ever wonder what it takes to lead a peaceful, happy life? Are you curious about the specific steps involved in a self-actualized, limitless life? Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Or are you just plain tired and want some help?

➡️ I explore all these concerns and more every week on the Happiness Podcast, which has been downloaded over 19 million times since its inception. Happiness does not happen by chance, it happens when we take specific actions in our lives to create it

💯 Welcome to my channel! My name is Dr. Robert Puff, Ph.D. I am an author of 13 books, I am a TV show host, Psychology Today blogger, and corporate trainer. I have been studying the actions it takes to reach the highest levels of human achievement for decades, and I would love to share what I've learned with you! My Happiness Podcast is entirely free to listen to, so why not give it a try!

➡️ So, come and explore the Happiness Podcast, my books, and Psychology Today blog, the specific steps to take so that you can soar in your life!

*************

✅ Follow Dr. Robert Puff and the Happiness Podcast on social media:

Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/robertpuffjr/

LinkedIn ▶️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorpuff

Twitter ▶️ https://twitter.com/HappinesPodcast

Facebook ▶️ https://www.facebook.com/HappinessPodcast/

📧 Email Dr. Robert Puff: DrRobertPuff@icloud.com

📞 Contact Dr. Robert Puff: 1-714-337-4889

📲 WhatsApp Dr. Robert Puff: 1-714-337-4889

✅ Dr. Puff, Clinical Psychologist: https://www.DoctorPuff.com

� Music: By Kevin MacLeod

#thejoyofless #beyondexpectations #theanticipationtrap

Up next
Aug 22
#549 Finding Security in an Unsecured World
Finding Security in an Unsecured World In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable, we are all searching for an anchor of security. We're going to explore how that anchor isn't found by trying to control the world around us, but by forging it within ourselves through the pow ... Show More
14m 27s
Aug 15
#548 The Alexander the Great Dilemma: To Conquer the World or to Conquer the Self
The Alexander the Great Dilemma: To Conquer the World or to Conquer the Self What is true power? Is it found in conquering the world like Alexander the Great, or is it discovered in the quiet, resolute mastery of one's own mind? This podcast explores the two greatest conquests av ... Show More
15m 9s
Aug 8
#547 Thought Pollution: The Mind Detox
Thought Pollution: The Mind Detox Have you ever felt inexplicably anxious or drained after scrolling through the news or social media? That feeling is a symptom of thought pollution, the process by which our mental environment becomes contaminated by the information we allow into ... Show More
17m 11s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
Never Worry Alone | Dr. Robert Waldinger
Dr. Robert Waldinger talks about his new book The Good Life: Lessons From the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness, which explores lessons from the longest scientific study of happiness. Dr. Robert Waldinger is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, the dir ... Show More
1h 3m
Feb 2024
#299 - You Thought This Was Increasing Your Success But It May Be Preventing It
Have you ever felt the crushing weight of unfinished tasks on your to-do list? Today, Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy talks about the psychological impact of these lists and offers insight into how you can use them to enhance your happiness rather than detract from it. She doesn't just ... Show More
29m 19s
Jan 2025
#345 - Find More Time In Your Day
In today’s episode of The Business of Happiness podcast, Dr. Tarryn McCarthy shares heartfelt insights on how healthcare professionals, especially dentists, can reclaim their time and joy. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by endless to-do lists or the constant pressure to over-pre ... Show More
33m 31s
Jan 2025
#279 How to make habits stick with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
Going into 2025, we all want to make changes. But instead of focusing on new goals, and perhaps stacking more habits on top of ones that you’ve already got, or failed at before, maybe it’s time to break free from habits that hold you back? Perhaps this is the reason why you strug ... Show More
1h 47m
Jul 30
#374 - Avoiding It Isn’t Making It Easier—It’s Making You Miserable
In today’s episode of The Business of Happiness, Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy invites you to reclaim your well-being, not someday, but now. Through personal stories and honest reflection, she unpacks how your happiness isn’t just allowed, it’s essential. You’ll hear how giving yourself w ... Show More
26m 58s
Apr 2025
How To Break Unconscious Patterns, The Power of Meditation, The Truth About Dopamine & Creating Lasting Change with Dr Joe Dispenza #549
Almost everyone today is addicted to something. From phones and social media to alcohol and drugs, our modern life has created an unprecedented epidemic of dependency. But what is actually driving this addiction and how can we actually break free? This week’s returning guest is D ... Show More
1h 31m
May 22
BITESIZE | The Truth About Modern Anxiety & A Surprising Way To Find Joy and Meaning | Alain de Botton #558
Have you ever wondered why, despite all our modern comforts, so many of us still struggle with unhappiness and anxiety? What if a more fulfilling life isn’t about constant positivity but rather a form of ‘cheerful pessimism’? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast fo ... Show More
23m 38s
Jul 2024
#319 - CALM CLINICIAN SERIES: Not Letting Other People’s Anxiety Become Your Own
In this first episode of the CALM CLINICIAN SERIES, Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy talks about how we absorb others’ anxiety and stress. She explains why we let this happen and how to handle it. Dr. MacCarthy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness to prevent taking on other people&apo ... Show More
21m 3s
Aug 2024
When Do We Get To Be Happy?
As I prepare for my first TEDx talk this Saturday, I’ve been revisiting some of my podcast episodes for inspiration. Yes, I listen to my podcast too! One episode from last year really resonated with me, where I explored a powerful quote by Jenifer Lewis: “We need to be happy on t ... Show More
10m 22s
Jul 14
3048: Fear of Mediocrity by Stefanie Bonastia with Jessi Kneeland on Diet Culture and Fitness Advice
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3048: Stefanie Bonastia explores the hidden cost of over-identifying with diet culture and fitness, revealing how fear of m ... Show More
13m 14s