CHANGING HOW YOU REACT TO DISAPPOINTMENT
In a life coaching call with (we will call him) Bill, Bill expressed his frustration with an employee. This wasn’t the only source of his frustration. There were a few other people who Bill found difficult.
Although this isn’t the only source of one’s frustration, most often our frustration occurs in the course of a relationship when our needs are not met. This can be in the workplace, at home, or in an intimate relationship.
We had an expectation and we feel someone let us down. That is the common denominator. How do we usually respond when our needs aren’t met? We feel frustrated as Bill did and either stuff it, or react to it.
In other situations it might be the accumulation of things that come up that drive us nuts. One event by itself probably would not tip us over the edge. But if we are already on edge because of the accumulation of the events, it doesn’t take much to reach our tipping point. We then react by feeling angry and frustrated.
This situation occurs in my work over and over again. So what can we do?
My answer probably will seem familiar to you. You need to make yourself stronger so that you are not so reactive. When I ask clients what there morning is like, usually they tell me that they are harried as they leave the house.
How you start your morning sets the tone for the day. It’s a matter of preparing yourself for what might come up during the day. Taking time for meditation before you rush out of your house is the best thing you can do. Taking breaks during the day is another great habit to get into.
You might think that you don’t have enough time if you add this to your schedule. It actually works the other way. You’ll have more time. You’ll be better organized and less stressed so when that situation comes up that Bill experienced, you’re calmer and better able to respond. You’ll be more efficient and get things done in less time.
JOURNEY ON
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THERE’S NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW. There will always be something that holds you back; an excuse to put your life on hold. JOURNEY ON is a blog dedicated to personal and professional development. Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach, inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He also publishes, Letters on Life, an inspirational ezine. Signup! http://www.inspirepossibility.com.