Afternoon of Conversation

Are we products of the environment or of our expectations? Our surroundings and expectations both have a significant impact on how we live and experience the world today. Our environment encompasses our upbringing, culture, social interactions, and physical surroundings. These factors have the power to change our perspectives, attitudes, actions, and opportunities in life. Growing up in a supportive and loving environment, for example, can foster feelings of security and confidence, whereas growing up in a stressful or negative environment might lead to feelings of doubt or harshness. Our beliefs, experiences, and ambitions impact our expectations, yet they may still influence our perceptions and behaviors. Our standards can influence how we interpret events, what goals we set for ourselves, and how we evaluate our own success or failure. For example, if we believe we can achieve certain goals, we are more likely to pursue them with fervor and determination.

Your environment may have a big influence on your life and future. Where you live and who you associate with might determine whether you have access to education, food, and even money. Your future employment prospects may vary depending on how you were raised and the possibilities accessible to you. A lack of education and experience may prevent you from being accepted into high-paying jobs, leaving you unable to cover your basic needs. Your upbringing acts as a basis for your future development. Depending on your starting point, you may go on to achieve incredible things or end yourself in much worse conditions. Your current environment does not automatically predict your future outcome, nor does it imply that you are locked there, yet nonetheless. According to Wes Moore, we are products of our desires more than our environment. Someone set those expectations for us, and we either meet them or fall short of them. Or, better yet, we forget about it and focus on creating and achieving our one dream that we believe matches our lives.