Things go wrong in life. That’s just the way it is. The bad news is, it is usually unexpected, unwanted, and inconvenient. The good news is, it happens to everyone. It is a universal reality that everyone can relate to. So, yes, things go wrong – but that can be okay.
Things going wrong can cause very good things can happen – if you allow for the possibility. How you manage disappointment says a lot about your maturity and your ability to adapt. Additionally, learning to manage the feelings that come with disappointment make it easier to manage more disappointment, which is inevitable.
Feeling disappointed is always hard, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Disappointment can be a gateway to change. Sometimes experiencing a disappointment leads to big decisions that actually improve a situation.
When things go wrong you are presented with decisions to:
- Make a change
- Stop a behavior
- End a dysfunctional relationship
- Change a career
- And more
If you’re going through a disappointing time, ask yourself these questions:
Is there an opportunity for change resulting from this disappointment?
Would I feel better if I take a specific action?
Is there something I can do to prevent this from happening again?
Am I open to finding moving past my disappointment?
Asking yourself these questions can make it possible to flip your disappointment into a new opportunity or a new way of thinking. Be willing to move past the disappointment and into the possibility that perhaps something new, different, and better could result from this set back.
Is there a new opportunity for change?
Does experiencing this loss make it possible for a change? Sometimes disappointment can be alleviated by changing a behavior or a circumstance. Taking action can feel liberating.
Is there an opportunity for prevention?
Some disappointment comes from poor planning or not having things in order. Is there something that can be done to prevent the disappointment in the future? Consider this a great time to set things up for future success.
Things go wrong, and that’s okay. It is a universal issue that no one can escape. Use your disappointment as a time to consider change, prevention, or an opportunity to grow and mature
