According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, frustration is a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs. When I really look at this definition, the words insecurity, dissatisfaction, unresolved and unfulfilled stick out to me.
So the way I see it, to resolve frustration, you must find out why you are feeling insecure, dissatisfied, unresolved or unfulfilled and take care of it. As long as those things causing you to feel that way are not addressed, you will continue to feel frustrated in some way.
Sometimes the frustration can be so powerful that you become stuck—don’t know what to do. In those cases, your best bet is to take some form of action to get unstuck enough to deal with the source of your unease.
Focus on what’s right
Even if it feels like nothing is going right, the truth is that something is. It may not be the thing that you want to go right at that time, but nonetheless, something is still going your way. Maybe it is your job; maybe it is your fitness; maybe you have been working on becoming a better communicator and you are seeing the results. By focusing on further improving that “thing” that is going right you will take yourself out of a negative mindset and into a positive, forward-looking one, thereby diminishing your frustration.
List your accomplishments
Another thing that works well for me is to keep a log of all of the things that I have accomplished. I use this technique most when I am both overwhelmed and frustrated.
Get a notebook or calendar and write down everything that you need to accomplish—a to-do list, if you will; then cross off each task after you complete it. You will notice that with each task you cross off, your frustration lessens and your life begins to look more manageable.
Note: Sometimes it helps to start with the easier tasks first.
Periodically look at your list. Believe it or not, but watching the list shrink create momentum that you can use to accomplish the other things on the list.
Writing things down has another benefit. It shows the cold, hard truth about how much you actually procrastinate. I can definitely say that it was an eye-opener for me. If you realize that you haven’t crossed much off of your list, it may also open your eyes to how you are really spending your time and your energy. Hopefully you will have lots of tasks crossed off, so that you can see that even though it doesn’t feel like you are accomplishing a lot, you are.
Remember the big picture
All changes you make in your life have to happen in the present. You cannot change your past, but you can make choices in the present that affect your future. Reflect on the big picture—the desired outcome for your life.
Sometimes we can get so caught up in the details of our day to day existence that we forget what is really important. Try to avoid asking yourself “why me” questions and work through anything that presents itself as a detour to your goals. These kinds of questions keep you stuck in the past and worse yet, they don’t offer any solutions. The important thing to move forward.
Get busy doing
I know for me, when I get into serious frustration with a problem, I tend not to want to think about the things that are causing it; but I really can’t, because I know they are there. They are tucked in the crevices of my mind, giving me a feeling of unease. But even still, I sometimes do anything I can to avoid the source of my pain. This only makes things worse as it only delays dealing with the problem. This is where action comes in. If you can just keep taking steps forward, you will make it past these sorts of temporary hurdles.
Frustration will take the sizzle out of your life in an instant. It must be dealt with as quickly as possible. Also, remember that life is meant to be managed, not cured. Things that frustrate you will continue to pop up–it is just the nature of being alive. The best thing that you can do is to deal with them as soon as they occur so that they don’t drag you down into the dark hole of nothingness.
No related posts.
If this article rocked your world, please spread the word by sharing it on your favorite social networks.
Sign up for the Personal Growth Toolbox for blog updates, the newsletter and lot's of other goodies.
 |
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s true, no matter how bad life may seem, there’s always something that’s righ.
I love your attitude and positive spirit. It’s very motivating.
Thanks,
Bryce
Bryce Christiansen recently posted..How to Not Miss Life While Working
Hi Bryce,
Thanks for the visit. Yes, I remember listening to a conversation Eckhart Tolle was having with a woman who was suffering from chronic pain–his advice to her was to focus on those areas that were well. That really stuck with me.
I have always thought of frustration to be like a lighter version of anger. From the definition you provided, I do see some significant differences between the two. Thanks for educating me today.
Vic recently posted..Six Instant Ways To Build Self Confidence
Interesting. For me frustration is the precursor to anger. If you deal with frustration when it first rears its head, you lower the changes of it spiraling into anger. Put the fire out before the whole house burns down. :-)