Pete Hanson’s Daily Blog: Hot Coffee & Resolutions

When it comes to coffee I am pretty picky. I like it hot. Not lukewarm, not room temperature, but hot (although iced is wonderful in the summer). I like it strong. Not too strong of course, and certainly not weak. Coffee shops do a nice job (at $4 a cup). Automatic coffee makers do not (at any price).

I have tried cheap coffee makers, expensive ones, I’ve even signed up for coffee subscriptions to get free coffee makers. I was starting to think it was me. Many who know me will gladly tell you it is.

A few weeks ago a friend introduced me to the single-cup coffee maker made by Keurig. Cute little thing (the coffee maker). Just drop in a pre-packaged coffee cartridge, press a button or two, and you have yourself a decent cup of coffee. I was intrigued. Asked a few questions. And we got on with our meeting.

Last weekend I bought one. Not cheap. I bought the maker, the variety pack of coffees, and I just had to have the shiny carousel for all the little cartridges to ride around on. (Of course my wife found a 20% off coupon ten minutes after I walked in the door with my prized possession.) I opened the box. Set it on the counter. Filled it with water. Pressed a few buttons. And stood back as I watched the freshly brewed coffee fill my cup. (Notice I never said “read the manual.”)

I was in heaven. Love at first sip. Actually, it was more of a words-can’t-do-it-justice kind of love. I had control. I could adjust the brewing temperature, choose the flavor, cup size, no cleaning (another joy of the fancy, expensive machines). It was as if this coffee maker was designed with just me in mind. Finally.

But why was I really happy? Because my expectations had been exceeded. How often are your expectations exceeded. Can you remember the last time? An even more important question is, “When is the last time you exceeded someone else’s expectations?” At work, at home, anywhere?

Today, start the new year setting out to exceed someone’s expectation every day. Make the commitment to be known for it. It’s a great habit to get in. It’s a great day to start.