Expectation: Journey to a Beginning.

“We get what we expect.” (Norman Vincent Peale).

?While by no means an absolute truth, it is certainly a common experience.

“They are able because they believe they are able.”

Expectation is the anticipation of a future outcome or scenario that demands and often informs its own plan. The placebo effect in medicine is widely understood, while it’s opposite, the nocebo, is less well known. Then too, we have the legacy of the self- fulfilling prophecy, where a focus on, and buy-in towards the desired outcome can cause one to adopt viewpoints, thinking patterns and behaviors more associated with the desired outcome, possibly supported by more diligent and energetic efforts.

?Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor- philosopher himself opined? “They are able because they believe they are able.”

?Chronic pain treatment programs early on require one to ascertain the patient’s expectations regarding their treatment. The problem here is that many lack an understanding of what constitutes chronic pain, and therefore are unable to frame realistic, plausible expectations.

?"We get what we expect."

Initially a rationale for the chronic pain must be provided as well as clarification about what this means to them personally, which may vary considerably. This work will undoubtedly not only shape ?expectations, but also enable acceptance.

?Have they fully accepted their condition? If the earlier criteria concerning meaning have not been met, they would be unsure of what exactly they were accepting even years after the establishment of chronic pain. By acceptance, we don’t mean resignation or capitulation, but rather a call to appropriate action.

?Once meaning and acceptance have been secured, only then can expectations be explored. ?Having ‘done the work,’ more positive expectations may then in turn become more likely.

?Reflecting on one’s most valued life accomplishments, did anyone start working on any of their cherished objectives while having poor expectations regarding the outcome?

?#painmeaning #painacceptance?#painexpectations

\www.trevorcampbellmd.com

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