"Better than expected might be the level of quality that's necessary to succeed.Of course, once that becomes the standard, the expectation is reset."

Thus, it is imperative to know that expectation may and certainly will kill us, especially for student with too much dose of eagerness. The best way is to adjust the boss' expectation to be lower than what we are capable of delivering (but not too low please, we all need respect and somehow satisfy our self esteem anyway). I know we are all smart and good people. But those things won't bring us far.

"Moderation is the key". Maybe that is just what's best for graduate students. Manage expectation, not only ours, but also other people's. Those higher than us in status in particular, to our advantage. Yes, for our sanity and our worth saving youth.