The festive holidays have given me the chance to catch up on movies I’ve missed, and rewatch others.  Two of those I’ve rewatched (Quantum of Solace & Thor) were much better than I remembered, one of those I’ve caught up on (Prometheus) wasn’t as bad as I’d been lead to believe.

I’m sure that there are many variables that determine how much we enjoy a film, such as our prevailing mood, whether we are feeling tired, or ill, or stressed.  But one key determinant must be the burden of expectation.  I was really looking forward to seeing Quantum & Thor at the cinema, and that level of expectation was probably really difficult to live up to.  Seeing them on DVD, I wasn’t really expecting much, so they surpassed my expectations.  I watched Prometheus with the knowledge that the best anyone I knew had said about it was ‘it’s alright really’, so finding out that it was a thoroughly enjoyable sci-fi romp, as long as you don’t think too much, was a pleasant surprise.

Thinking back to the shift from A-Level to Degree-Level Economics, it is the introduction of Expectations and related impacts, that I really remember.  In one move, Economics went from an interesting thought game to a complex, but potentially useful, set of models.

And it’s really important in choosing a career, or potential employer too.  I’ve known many people return from dream placements distinctly underwhelmed, and many others changing to a new route following an unexpectedly interesting work experience with a previously unrated employer.  That’s my key thought for the year ahead – stay open minded about all the opportunities that might come your way, and try to keep your expectations in check if you’re lucky enough to be able to follow your dreams.