A lack of clear national goals, increased bureaucracy, the infiltration of unions into the colleges, and the increasing emphasis on personal rather than organizational priorities have contributed to a growing national malaise. Our expectations are conditioned, to a large extent, by these factors and other external influences, including parents, peers, schooling, and the media--all of which impose value systems which are not necessarily appropriate to individual objectives and growth. For instructors, the psychosocial products of the growing malaise and programmed expectations may include: (1) learned helplessness, i.e., the feeling that individual initiative will not make a difference; (2) overindulgence, resulting from increased specialization; and (3) unaccommodated personal growth which is a product of the inability to modify lifestyles to keep pace with changing needs. These conditions, and the instructor apathy that can result from them, can be overcome through a modification of expectations. Helplessness can be surmounted through self-reliance and working within the imperfect system of which one is a part. Overindulgence can be dealt with by adopting innovative approaches to teaching. Finally, problems of unaccommodated growth can be overcome by examining one's real needs, choosing among alternative occupations and activities that bring satisfaction, and working diligently at every chosen task. (HB)