It’s inevitable that at some point in our careers we will experience disappointment. Rejection, failure, and setbacks are all a part of life, and they can be very discouraging. I know I’ve had my fair share of them both in work and personal life! However, it is important to remember that how we deal with these disappointments can make or break our future success. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for handling disappointment at work in a healthy and productive way!
One of the most important things to remember when dealing with disappointment is that it is okay to feel disappointed. It is perfectly normal to have negative emotions after experiencing a setback. However, it is important not to dwell on these feelings for too long. Allow yourself some time to grieve, but then pick yourself up and move on.
The length of time to grieve will vary from one person to another. Some people may only need a few minutes, while others may need a few days or even weeks. Just make sure that you don’t dwell on your disappointment for too long, as this will only make it harder to move on.
Another important tip is to learn from your mistakes or the disappointing outcome. If you received feedback that led to a disappointing outcome, use it as an opportunity to improve for next time. Don’t beat yourself up over things that you can’t control, but do strive to learn and grow from every experience.
When my sons were little, I remember telling them that a mistake is only a mistake if you didn’t learn from it. I find myself now telling my coaching clients the same. However, someone with a fixed mindset will find it hard to find the lessons to learn. They will more likely deflect the fault to others or make excuses. Helping people develop a growth mindset will enable an individual to take responsibility and use the experience as a learning opportunity.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope with disappointment, reach out to your friends, family, or a professional for support. It’s okay to admit that you need some assistance!
That is one of the major advantages of workplace counselling, also known as Employer Assistance Programs, which many businesses now offer. However, the utilisation of EAP is still comparatively low (Agovino, 2019). Leaders may need to intervene in other more personalised ways to ensure that their team members can get the help they need. You can find the resources here.
I often share the analogy of being the driver in a car. We have a big windscreen in front of us and a little rear view mirror. Which do we spend most of our time looking at? Of course we should be looking ahead! If we spend most of the time just staring at the little rear view mirror, we will miss both the dangers AND the opportunities in the road ahead.
Dealing with disappointment can be tough, but it’s important to remember that we all go through it. It’s a fact of life. Just make sure to grieve in a healthy way, learn from your mistakes or the disappointing outcome, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. With these tips, you’ll be back on track in no time!
What tips can you give that has worked for you in dealing with disappointments?