Expectation Trap: Recovery, Mental Health & the Mind Game

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the role expectations play in the recovery process—how they shape our mindset, challenge our progress, and sometimes sabotage our healing. We explore the difference between realistic and unrealistic expectations, what it means to set intentions without setting ourselves up for disappointment, and how to work with expectations rather than let them work against us.

Expectations in recovery can feel like mile markers. But when things don’t go as planned—when trust isn’t restored as fast as we hoped, or healing feels slower than expected—those unmet expectations can become major emotional triggers. They can lead us into that headspace of “Nothing ever works out for me” or “What’s the point?”

Whether you’re just starting out or years into your journey, this conversation offers real talk, practical insights, and peer wisdom to help you stay grounded, resilient, and forward-moving—no matter where you are in recovery.