The Good Thing About Frustration Is….

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending – Carl Bard

Frustration! It is a word which is commonly associated with feelings of helplessness and sometimes rage. So is there a way out? The answer is a big Yes!

Any human emotion generates a certain amount of energy. For instance, if we feel happy we are naturally energized and can accomplish all those chores which we don’t even like doing. If we feel gloomy, we are sapped and our energy level goes down. So energy is the key which drives us to do something or not do it. The most valuable aspect about frustration is that it generates enormous amounts of energy. The sheer feeling of helplessness coupled with a great degree of determination is the source of that energy. This energy, if properly channelled into action can achieve incredible results to free us from the constraints of frustration.

Here are the four basic steps:

Step-I Acknowledge! (A)

The first and foremost thing is to accept the fact there is a problem or obstacle. You can’t do much about it. And the issue is taking a heavy toll on your life. Even then you are not able to do much about it. You have a problem which is affecting your life and you cannot yet see or understand all the factors contributing to the situation.

Step-II Reassess! (R)

There are some circumstances in our life for which we can’t hold anybody else responsible but ourselves. Some people realise this while some don’t. At the same time there are many things which are beyond our control. I mean there are many uncontrollable issues in life which you have to take in your stride. We have to prudently assess which issues are under our control and which are not. A word of caution here! If we falter at this stage it will mean that we have let things go from our hands.

Step-III Disregard! (D)

If you have decided that there are few things you cannot be in charge of, there is no need to waste and energy time mulling over them. So forget them! Concentrate on those areas over which you have some control and influence.

Step –IV Finish it! (F)

Since you have now identified the things that are under your control and influence, go for it now. Complete the tasks and employ all your pent up emotions in working through those situations. Solutions have a way of coming in unexpectedly from unexpected directions when we embrace our situation fully and begin tackling the source of our distress.

After honestly assessing the situation and breaking down the factors into the categories discussed above, more often than not, you will see that you are out of the frustration zone. Now you see how frustration can be helpful in life? Whenever you are frustrated, don’t be feel helpless. It is simply an indication that you need to put on your thinking cap and sort through the equation with your best analytical skills. The seeds of solution lie within the very problem itself.

This is the first in a series of simple articles on basic personal problem solving. Look out for follow up articles in the weeks to come.