by Trisha Frietag

Created on: February 11, 2010

Frustration often arises from the lack of progress or the failure to achieve a desired goal.  It can be triggered by something as simple as not getting an "A" on a college paper or as complex as receiving negative criticism after presenting an idea to your boss or business partner.  It happens to babies who fall when they try to walk, and to adults who fail while attempting to perfect a new task. While it is a common emotion, people respond or react to it differently.  What is important is learning to handle it successfully so it doesn't overtake your day.

Frustration is another word for disappointment, most often with an element of anger thrown in.  If it is not dealt with in a positive manner, it can lead to resentment and bitterness; it can, in fact, alter your outlook on life and change your character.  Unbridled frustration can be emotionally damaging.  It can interfere with our relationships with others, our success at work or play, and it can ultimately keep us from reaching our goals in life. 

The first, most important thing to remember is that there are many things in life that we cannot control.  We can make plans and schedules and dream dreams; however, the fact is that life often throws us curve balls that demolish our plans and present us with an opportunity to either grow from the experience or become frustrated and embittered, effectively stagnating ourselves and our chances of further success. 

A key here is to respond to the unexpected situation or occurrence instead of reacting to it.  It's not always easy to step back and take a deep breath before you act, especially when your well-laid plans have just been damaged or destroyed.  Instinct says to yell, to scream, to pound our fists and curse and raise a ruckus.  This is a gut reaction.  Reactions are not always the best choice because of the consequences they carry.  If you are in an employment situation and you react to a negative stimulus in this way, you could very well find yourself looking for another job.

Another important factor is to be flexible.  Bad things happen to all of us, and they happen when we either least expect it, least need it, or a combination of the two.  It's crucial to be able to bend and sometimes to yield to the greater power of the unexpected.  It will keep you from breaking.  It's not easy.  Nobody ever said it would be.  However, it is critical if you are to survive

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