Read The Money Mirror — Issue #11
Expectations
Mary didn’t speak right away.
“I’ve been thinking about confidence,” she said finally. “And I think I understand it better.”
Breed Holloway nodded.
“And what have you noticed?” he asked.
Mary paused.
“That I expect things to go a certain way,” she said. “And when they don’t… I start to question everything.”
Breed leaned back slightly.
“That’s where expectations come in,” he said.
Mary looked at him.
“You mean what I think should happen?”
“Exactly,” Breed replied. “Most investors don’t struggle because of what actually happens.”
Mary frowned.
“Then why do they struggle?”
“Because reality doesn’t match their expectations.”
Mary sat quietly for a moment.
“So if I expect things to always go up…”
Breed nodded.
“Then even normal changes can feel like something is wrong.”
Mary exhaled.
“That makes sense.”
Breed continued.
“Expectations shape how you interpret everything,” he said.
“They can either keep you steady… or pull you off course.”
Mary looked down briefly.
“So it’s not just what happens.”
Breed shook his head.
“It’s what you expected to happen.”
Mary leaned back.
“Then how do I fix that?”
Breed smiled slightly.
“You don’t eliminate expectations,” he said.
“You learn to adjust them.”
He paused before adding one more thought.
“Because when your expectations are realistic…”
Mary looked up.
“You don’t react the same way.”
Breed nodded.
“And that’s what keeps you moving forward.”
Next week, Mary begins to understand something that quietly affects every expectation she has:
Timeframes.
Richard Sowa, Founder – Read The Money Mirror
Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
© 2026 Read The Money Mirror. All rights reserved.