People often react in extreme ways to frustration. It can range from rabid gossiping against whatever is frustrating them to doings things they would never do if in a rational state of mind. Some people drink excessively from frustration because while drunk, they are able to release their frustrations from their conscious minds. Of course none of these actions actually resolve frustration. They just deflect the energy we've invested in the frustration into some other destructive activity.
How can you deal with frustration? Well, first, it is important to survey the specific situation that is irritating you and ask yourself some questions.
• Is my frustration the result of my trying to have things my way? It will be harder to answer that question than you might think because your ego doesn't want that brought out into the light. Are you just mindlessly trying to force your stance on everyone? Have you really entertained the ideas presented by others or just closed your mind to everything except your own agenda? We have all done this at one time or the other. Unfortunately, it is an approach that rarely serves the highest good.
How can you deal with frustration? Well, first, it is important to survey the specific situation that is irritating you and ask yourself some questions.
• Is my frustration the result of my trying to have things my way? It will be harder to answer that question than you might think because your ego doesn't want that brought out into the light. Are you just mindlessly trying to force your stance on everyone? Have you really entertained the ideas presented by others or just closed your mind to everything except your own agenda? We have all done this at one time or the other. Unfortunately, it is an approach that rarely serves the highest good.
• Am I frustrated because I am trying to perform at a level beyond what is needed or possible at this point in time? Sometimes we put undue pressure on ourselves by setting arbitrary deadlines or unrealistic expectations. As a result, we set ourselves up for failure and a large dose of frustration. Other times, we try to force others to rise to a level for which they are not prepared. Once again, the resistance you meet will exasperate you.
One of the things that is appealing about frustration to some people is that it plays into the fact that it is so much easier to be negative than it is to be positive. Before you react to this statement, think about it. If something goes wrong, how much easier is it for you to imagine all the less than stellar experiences that can happen as a result? Being positive takes courage because you have to literally move from one state of mind into another. Being negative only requires that you add to what you already see as negative. No shift in energy is required.
So, if you want to learn how to meet frustration face-to-face and win, you have to be willing to consider the following:
• Put your ego aside and reassess the situation by dis-identifying from the outcome. In other words, take your ego needs out of the equation so that you can be objective.
• Recognize that some may not be as invested in the process as you are. Be willing to put it out on the table for discussion. At least then, you can make an informed decision whether to stay or go. Otherwise, you will continually be pushing a rope uphill, and frustration is likely to build.
• For your own spiritual development, be brave enough to monitor your thoughts and feelings so that you learn to choose the ones that will increase your consciousness and stem the frustrations.
One of the things that is appealing about frustration to some people is that it plays into the fact that it is so much easier to be negative than it is to be positive. Before you react to this statement, think about it. If something goes wrong, how much easier is it for you to imagine all the less than stellar experiences that can happen as a result? Being positive takes courage because you have to literally move from one state of mind into another. Being negative only requires that you add to what you already see as negative. No shift in energy is required.
So, if you want to learn how to meet frustration face-to-face and win, you have to be willing to consider the following:
• Put your ego aside and reassess the situation by dis-identifying from the outcome. In other words, take your ego needs out of the equation so that you can be objective.
• Recognize that some may not be as invested in the process as you are. Be willing to put it out on the table for discussion. At least then, you can make an informed decision whether to stay or go. Otherwise, you will continually be pushing a rope uphill, and frustration is likely to build.
• For your own spiritual development, be brave enough to monitor your thoughts and feelings so that you learn to choose the ones that will increase your consciousness and stem the frustrations.
RSS Feed
