How to Deal With Frustration in Your Life and Survive
October 9, 2009 by Omar
There are so many things that cause us to get frustrated. Take for example, writing this article. I just had to restart my computer because as I started to write, the computer froze and I couldn’t do anything else.
Arrgghh! How frustrating.
I am certain that most of you get frustrated at some time or another. The key is to express our frustrations in a way that we do not hurt those around us. I know it is hard to not just react sometimes, but we need to try.
Definition: frustration - a normal reaction to being hurt, threatened, or unable to fulfill a current need.
The problem is not the fact that we experience frustration, but rather how we choose to deal with it. Our reaction to frustration is what causes us stress and disrupt the lives of others around us.
Quite often, the way we deal with frustration is a reflection of what we learned from the world around us. For example, my mom tends to just react when something doesn’t go her way. The bread didn’t bake just right. The food was a little overdone. (Sorry mom!)
And I tend to be the same way, but mostly with the computer 
. The mouse is not working right, the keys are sticking. The computer freezes when I am trying to write an article.
So, being on a quest to look at all areas of my life that needs improvement, what did I do? I went looking for solutions of course.
Not surprisingly this is the first thing that I learned…
Unhealthy methods of processing frustrations can lead to health problems and even inhibit our relationship with others.
So, how we react to frustration can be bad for us.
You see, many people respond to frustration by getting angry and lashing out. Some people turn to destructive behaviors like binge eating, drinking, and taking drugs.
But there has to be a better way.
Fine, but how do we deal with frustration effectively?
Here are 9 ways that I came up with that will help you deal with your frustration…
1. Promote mutual respect
You should respect those with opinions that are different than your own.
2. Understand your thoughts and feelings
Find out who you are as a person. It can be frustrating trying to be like someone else.
3. Accept the difference between needs and wants
Ask yourself if the thing that is making you frustrated is really necessary. Is is something you need or something you want?
If your answer is that it is a want, then let it go.
4. Let go of what you can’t control
There are certain things that we just can’t control. I know, you hear that all the time.
But sometimes, we hear something so much that we become immune to it. So this one is just a reminder.
5. Communicate
Speak up and let your voice be heard. Let people know what your personal boundaries and needs are. This alone will eliminate some frustration. Because when people know what to expect, they are less likely to get in your way.
6. Accept that you are not responsible for the behavior of others
Face it, we are all responsible for our own actions. So accept that you can’t force anybody to do something that they do not want to do.
7. It isn’t all bad
Sometimes frustration isn’t a bad thing. In some cases, frustration can actually be a motivating factor. It can be the driving force to get you through the hard times and move closer to achieving your goals.
8. Practice acceptance
Accept that sometimes, frustration is just a natural part of life.
Did you get stuck in traffic this morning? There is not much you can do about that. So relax ,and use the time to reflect on things that make you happy.
9. Find the source
Look deeper for the cause of your frustration. Sometimes, attacking our problems head on can lead to an unexpected solution.
Now I know you may not be able to follow through on all nine. But if you can try just one, and it works, then you will be that less frustrated.
I am working on them one at a time.
And remember, frustration can turn someone into an angry, unhappy person like a switch. While you can’t simply eliminate all the frustration in your life, you certainly can determine how you will let it affect you.
Be Strong,
Comments
3 Responses to “How to Deal With Frustration in Your Life and Survive”
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We can't control everything that happens to us – we can only control how we react to it.
A great quote from the book don't sweat the small stuff
Ask yourself this question:
"Will this matter a year from now?"
Hi Sean,
Excellent quote. That is one of my favorite books. Do you have the "Big Book of Small Stuff?" That's a great collection of all the best tips from across his most popular books.
Omar