Have you ever found yourself caught in the gap between what you thought your life would look like and the actual reality staring back at you? We all have. Maybe it's that business goal that didn’t quite come together, or perhaps it's a relationship that didn’t meet your expectations. Whatever it is, it’s perfectly normal to feel a little disappointed, frustrated, or even grieve the dreams that haven’t come to fruition.
What if these unmet expectations weren’t dead ends, but rather, an invitation to look deeper within?
In this episode of Inside The Mind, Allie May and Jen Forster offer a human approach to dealing with these tough moments. They explore the idea that our unmet goals and frustrations aren't signs of failure, but rather an opportunity for reflection, recalibration, and ultimately, growth.
Tune in now!
Episode Highlights:
(0:08) – Allie and Jen open with a recognition of the emotional heaviness that many are experiencing in today’s unpredictable world.
(4:27) – Allie dives into a personal story about feeling repeatedly triggered by others’ behaviour, only to realise she had unspoken expectations.
(7:47) – Jen introduces the concept of "disappointment traps" and explains how we often fall into them when we expect others to think or act like we do—without ever expressing those expectations.
(11:57) – Allie and Jen explore the importance of adjusting goals when life throws a curveball. They share practical advice on how to pivot without feeling like you’ve failed—emphasising that being flexible and open to change is a sign of strength, not weakness.
(12:25) – Allie shares how unmet expectations became stepping stones within her own journey.
Action Items:
Let yourself feel whatever is coming up for you—whether through journaling, talking with a friend, or simply allowing yourself a moment to reflect.
Take stock of your achievements, no matter how small. By shifting focus to what has gone right, you might find that you're doing better than you thought.
Take a fresh look at your goals and ask yourself if they still align with your current reality. If not, don’t be afraid to adjust them. Pivoting isn’t a failure—it’s growth.
Quotes:
"Unspoken expectations are disappointment traps waiting to happen."
"It’s okay to grieve the goals that didn’t happen the way you wanted, just remember to celebrate the ones that did."
"Pivoting doesn’t mean failure—it’s a sign of resilience and adaptability."
Takeaways:
Allow Yourself to Feel: Your emotions—whether disappointment, sadness, or frustration—are valid. Don’t rush through them or judge yourself for feeling them. Processing these feelings helps you grow.
Celebrate Your Progress: Even if you haven’t hit all your goals this year, take a moment to acknowledge the wins you have achieved. Progress, no matter how small, deserves recognition.
Be Flexible with Your Goals: Life is unpredictable, and goals may need adjusting. This is not a failure but a sign of resilience and adaptability. By revisiting and recalibrating your goals, you set yourself up for future success.
Express Your Expectations: Don’t fall into the trap of assuming others know what you need. Communicate your expectations clearly to build healthier and stronger relationships.
Shift Your Focus: Instead of dwelling on unmet goals, reflect on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. Use those lessons as building blocks for the future.
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Connect with Jen Forster:
Linktr.ee: JENNIFER FORSTER | NLP TRAINER
Instagram: @jenniferforster_
YouTube: @jenniferforster7322
Website: www.jenniferforster.com
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Connect with Allie May:
Website: www.alliemay.love
Linktr.ee: ALLIE MAY
Facebook: Allie May
Instagram: @alliemay_xx
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