I have had few things and people in life that have disappointed me lately and I feel I need to share with you how to manage that feeling and emotions.
Getting discouraged is an inevitable part of life, but with the right approach, you can learn to face these emotions in your stride.
I am learning to be calmer whenever things are not working out in my favour. It’s a relief to be able to get discouraged and not feel like it’s the end of the world.
We know that getting discouraged is a part of life, but there’s no denying the truth that dwelling on this emotion can stop us from going after our dreams.
Here are 5 ways to deal with disappointment in your everyday life that will help you avoid feeling crushed by your setbacks.
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
Disappointment can be an uncomfortable feeling to manage. But you might be making it even more difficult by trying to bury your head in the sand.
I used to think that being discouraged or disappointed was a sign of weakness. Whenever situations and people let me down, I try to see it as a learning curve, and find a positive way through it.
So, sit down with your disappointment and let it reach its boiling point. What’s the worst that’ll happen? You’ll cry, vent in frustration, or sulk for sometime? Good, at least you won’t bottle it up, which can hinder your future personal development.
Know that it’s okay to be unhappy and that when you allow yourself to get disappointed, the only way to go from there is up!
2. Remember That Your situation doesn’t Define You
In the face of setbacks, it's normal to turn your emotions inward and blame yourself. You might find yourself battling self-doubt, insecurity, and the feeling of not being good enough. Consider these to be the symptoms of feeling disappointed. But you have to keep in mind that your situation does not define you. Some things are out of your control and some are not meant to be. Accept them with an open heart.
Detaching yourself from your situations, even momentarily, can help a lot. Remind yourself to not be a judge of your circumstances, and instead, let yourself be at peace with it. Self-acceptance is the key to finding your way out of a disappointing life situation. Be kind to yourself, always.
3. Talk It Out With Someone
Whenever I feel let down by my own circumstances, I will call a friend to get some sound advice.
Talking it out with someone is one of the most effective ways to deal with disappointment.
You might be too close to your situation to approach it with an open and healing mind. Getting someone else’s perspective can offer you comfort and bring positive thoughts.
4. Find Lessons Out Of Your Disappointments
Us humans are fixated on the idea of fixing everything in their life. And while that can be a powerful move in some instances, it can often lead to disappointment.
Ask yourself why you feel so disappointed even knowing there’s nothing you can do about it. What is the present scenario trying to tell you? Understand your own lessons out of your disappointments, and then write them down to really drive home their points.
5. Get Moving
Disappointments, whether big or small, can be hard to let go of, which is completely understandable. We put so much effort into making things work, and when they don’t, it’s unfair to ask yourself to ‘get over it’.
So, if you’re not ready to stop thinking about whatever’s causing you disappointment, that’s okay. When the time is right, you will find your way out.
But for now, do this one thing to make sure your disappointments don’t fester – Get yourself moving by putting your energy into other things and other people.
Always remember that success comes to those who take their disappointment in stride. It is okay to feel this emotion, and use the above 5 ways to deal with disappointment. They’ll help you be at peace with it.