Coping With Frustration.
Life can be unfair at times, and it can be filled with unforeseen contingencies. At some point, the experience of disappointment teaches us all to manage expectations more carefully. When we adjust our expectations, we are able to reduce the amount of frustration and negative emotions. We need to learn to never rush and never be disappointed that a situation isn’t going the way we expect. In order to avoid feeling frustrated, we need to understand that there are no random acts, there is always meaning to everything that happens in our lives, even if we do not see it. Life is a process, and it could be easier if we trust the process and go with the flow. All the things taking place in our lives may appear completely occasional at first, but in truth, there is an orchestrated, interlocking chain of events occurring. Prepare yourself for different outcomes, in order to stay emotionally and mentally healthy. There are many things that you can do to accept people and situations as they are, and increase your happiness. Your personal happiness is directly related to how we choose to respond to frustration. Ask yourself if your expectations are realistic, and avoid setting high expectations to yourself and others. Realising that you could change your perspective in order to improve our mental health, can change your life.
We don’t know everything and it’s impossible to have the right answer to every question. If you find yourself being frustrated by someone else’s behaviour, remember that there’s a big difference between offering to help someone emotionally, and insisting on telling them what to do. Realise that imperfection is simply the nature of being part of the human species. Visualise different outcomes and embrace them. Focus on something concrete and achievable, and always strive for what really can be done, instead of things that are out of your control.
Try to be a good listener and build strong, healthy relationships. Keep in mind that our perspectives tend to be shaped by our personal histories, experiences, culture, and a host of other factors. When you get frustrated with someone, try to consider the other person’s point of view and empathise with it, before forming your opinion. Always do your best to put yourself on the other person’s shoes to avoid making negative judgmental assumptions about someone else.
Letting go of judgment requires daily practice, but can be very rewarding. We feel great when we learn to recognise and express your own feelings without putting others down. Being less judgmental ultimately will make you happier: the world is a better place when we were all accepting and loving of one another. Expect others to let you down, to make mistakes, and to disappoint you now and then, and keep in mind that you are going to disappoint others too. When you decide to let go of expectations you need to be compassionate with others and with yourself. Acceptance allows you to increase your self knowledge and reach a stage, where you can change and improve your relationships.
It is important to:
. Remind yourself that you are not able to make people act according to your expectations;
. Work on communicating with others about your expectations;
. Set realistic goals for yourself and others;
. Avoid holding grudges and dwelling on your imperfections and others’ imperfections;
Remember that when we are grateful about what is happening in our lives, we have less room to think about what isn’t happening.
