Expectation Vs. Reality

Alright, let's talk about setting the bar high while keeping our expectations in check. If you're here, I trust you're an outstanding provider and partner, passionate about this job and everything it entails. But let's face it, there are days when we find ourselves griping about the calls we get. ALS calls that could have been BLS, geriatric patients bowing to gravity, late-night calls that should've come hours earlier, and crews dodging calls only to dump them on your lap from across the city. The list goes on, doesn't it?

So, picture this: a sports analogy. I'm not a basketball fan, but maybe this'll hit home. Think of the greats – Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James. They all showed up to work with sky-high standards. Not for anyone else, not for their coach, not even for the fans in the stands. Their standards were for themselves. They expected greatness from themselves every single day. That's what made them legends. They didn't land their dream job and say, "I've made it, time to coast." No, they knew they were hired because they were exceptional. They were unmatched in their techniques and worked harder than everyone else. What did this achieve? Were they trying to make everyone else slack off, just to pass them the ball? "He's taking the shot anyway." No, these guys were infectious in their effort. They set themselves apart by outworking everyone else, and the results spoke for themselves.

So, where am I going with this? Every shift we work is an opportunity, unlike any other. It's a chance to stack undeniable proof that your hard work makes you a better provider. It's evidence that you used your off-days to recharge and come back to work with a blazing 110% effort. Whether you're in your first month, year, five years, or even a decade into this, keep stacking that proof. Don't let anyone come behind you and wonder why you're not better. Show them how high your standards have been and always will be.

Now, let's talk about lowering expectations. The most common question I hear is, "Why are they calling again?" Or "What's wrong with that facility that they can't handle their patients?" "Why are we so darn busy?" It seems like our expectations are set too high. Some of us come to work to "get away from home" or "sneak in a nap." That's perfectly fine; we all need those days. But when you're expecting these on a weekly basis, something's off. Your expectations are too high. Lower them. Expect the calls. Realize you want to be the Michael Jordan of "lift-assists," the Kobe Bryant of BLS. Why? Because your expectations have changed. Expecting to give your best on every call can bring back the joy.

You see, we all know calls are going to come in. The question is, how many? When? Will it be during your workout, your hot meal, or your peaceful moment? When we lower our expectations from "how many calls can I dodge" to "I'll do my best on whatever call comes my way," our minds prepare for the unknown. We don't know what the day holds. It might be the toughest shift, filled with chaos and trauma. But remember, every game timer eventually runs out, and every shift hits that 12, 24, or 48-hour mark. Your worst shift is just that – a shift. Those one or ten calls that interrupted you at the worst times? You gave your all and came out on top. You can lower your expectations; it's okay. Consider this your permission. Then, when a shift passes with no calls for 4, 6, 8, or even 10 hours, you'll get your well-deserved rest. It'll be so peaceful, you'll think it's fiction. Take that rest and savor the fruits of your labor. You've earned it, all by simply lowering your expectations.

- Dave (Stack the Proof)