Turning Frustration into Fuel for Growth

“Frustration, although quite painful at times, is a very positive and essential part of success.”—Bo Bennett.

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been frustrated. Frustration has reared its ugly head numerous times when I least expected it. These days, I feel its presence when I step out of my comfort zone. It reminds me to remain calm, aware, and diligent in pursuing my goal. Frustration, despite its accompanying emotion, is a healthy sign of progress. It denotes a level of growth in working toward your goal. It means you’re getting closer to achieving the vision or goal you set out to achieve. Frustration advises you to remain poised and firm in your pursuit. It’s a powerful reminder that you’re in control, not the obstacles that stand in your way. Often, people give up when frustration hits, believing their goal is far from achievable.

I usually go harder at this point, affirming that I mean business. You may be tested along your life’s path to see how much you want your goal. The universe will cast obstacles in your path to thwart your chances of success. How do you know when you’re being tested? You don’t. You can only be guided by your desires’ inner passion and conviction, stopping at nothing to achieve them—this is the best advice if you’re experiencing frustration. Raise the bar every time life throws you a lemon. Don’t just make lemonade; that’s a cliché line used too often. Instead, make the best lemon meringue ever. Turn the lemons into gold bullion! Show life that you mean business with your actions, not your lack thereof.

Often, frustration is a signpost advising you not to abandon hope and faith. It’s not meant to stop your progress. It’s a small speed hump suggesting you get organized, creative, and excited to approach your goal with enthusiasm. For instance, I am currently experiencing frustration with my speaking roles. I want to perform more, and I am frustrated that I’m not where I want to be. I find myself in a child-like state, begrudging it, complaining, and sometimes whining. Once settled, I see an inner urge, hunger, and appetite that no one can stop. I will stop at nothing to achieve my goal. Frustration has taught me to remain inspired, enthusiastic, courageous, and persistent.

Frustration may also be inviting you to remain patient. This is the most challenging phase. You want to achieve that goal NOW! That might equate to losing weight or looking amazing in that outfit/suit. You want that dream car, job, the perfect romantic partner, or the best grades at school/university. But remember, patience is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of your determination and resilience.

Life means growing as a person and attaining one’s goal. Similarly, health is a process, not an event. You learn to become someone fit and healthy. I am continually learning and discovering new things. I am far more confident in my ability to remain fit and healthy than I was in my twenties. I made numerous mistakes in determining what worked best for me. Most importantly, I grew from those mistakes, learning valuable lessons that I now share with others. The following are suggestions for dealing with frustration. You’re allowed to be frustrated. It’s healthy to feel the emotion. It’s important to channel it positively to realize your full potential.

Harnessing Patience and Persistence on the Path to Success

“Frustration is a sign I am acting independently. The more you try your own way, the tighter the doors will stay closed.”—Joyce Meyer.

1. Feel the frustration:

How does frustration feel? Where do you feel it in your body when it surfaces? What does it look like in your mind? There is no need to deal with it yet. Be with it and see what it is asking you to do. Becoming familiar with your emotions is a positive step toward uncovering their hidden meaning.

2. Assess your goals:

I’m not suggesting you abandon your goals. You should do the same thing as an airline pilot continually plotting their course toward their destination. Do you want this goal? If so, why? What would it give you or allow you to become if you had it?

3. Get organized and savvy:

Now that you’ve felt the frustration and assessed your goal, it’s time to get organized. This may mean being clear on how you intend to achieve the goal or what route you take to get there.

4. Seek advice:

Enlist the advice of those who’ve charted a similar path. Become inquisitive and curious about their journey. Remember, it is their path, not yours, so use discrimination to plot your own. Use the advice that feels right for you.

5. Make mistakes:

Go out there and make heaps of mistakes. My business mentor calls this ‘failing fast.’ His advice is to make mistakes that have little effect on your goal. Give it a go, and if it doesn’t work, learn from the mistake quickly. Get back on the horse and proceed in the same direction—forward! Remember, every mistake is a lesson, and every lesson is a step towards your goal.

6. Act confidently:

Develop that ‘get ’em’ attitude. Your family pet dog has the same attitude when wrestling that bone or toy from their mouth. They refuse to let it go, remaining tenacious in their quest. Adopt the same ‘attitude,’ since that’s part of the victory.

7. Take some time away:

While I suggested earlier in the article being tenacious, it’s important to take some time off on occasion. Time off means time away from pursuing the goal. By allowing your mind to take a mini vacation, you’re in a better position to revisit it with greater mental clarity.

8. Reward yourself:

Do something for yourself to reward your efforts. For all the long hours I’ve spent over the past year, I recently upgraded the components on my bicycle. It felt good to buy myself something instead of insisting on working harder. I know I’ll have more fun riding my bicycle, which is a pleasant reminder of my efforts.

Appreciate that frustration is part and parcel of your journey toward your goal. The greater the goal, the greater the frustrations that come with it. Accept them by reframing them in your mind. See them as stepping stones, not obstacles. Move through it, not around it. Keep at it until you realize the goal since there’s nothing more satisfying than reaching a goal that once appeared unattainable.

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Tony Fahkry

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