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Do you suffer from feeling discouraged at times? Not to worry. You’re not alone! In fact, I’m sure that even successful, rich and famous people suffer from this too. Discouragement can be caused by disappointment, setbacks, rejection, frustration, criticism, obstacles or failure.
Although facing discouragement can be really unpleasant, if dealt with positively, you can actually use this feeling to fuel yourself for better times. If you’re searching for ways to lead a happier and healthier life, then these tips on ‘How to Deal with Discouragement’ are sure to help you.
11 Tips on How to Deal with Discouragement
Think of Failure as Education
Discouragement normally happens when we fail to meet our expectations. When we set ourselves goals and do not meet these goals, this is when discouragement usually sets in. We need to look at failure in a more positive light to avoid this sort of feeling. Learn to look at failure as education instead of means of discouragement.
When you face failure next time, ask yourself – what have you learnt from it and also what can you do differently in future? Always remember that failure is just a temporary obstacle and you will learn how to overcome it eventually. When you fail in something, tell yourself that you are one step closer to success.
Set Realistic Expectations
Are you setting your goals and expectations too high? Do you often feel as though you are progressing slower than you have hoped you would? Perhaps it’s time to re-think your goals and set more realistic expectations for yourself. You can’t reach to the top of the mountain without taking mini steps, right?
Remember Past Victories
Whenever you are faced with a failure, always remember your past achievements. Try to remember what it felt like when you were working towards those goals, and how you have reached your goals. Sit back, smile and move on, knowing that future victories are coming your way.
Take a Break
When you’ve been working so hard, it pays off to take a break. Treat yourself for a holiday, evening meal or spa just to unwind. Even a walk in the evening, or a simple coffee break can works wonders to keep yourself sane. Sometimes you may be feeling discouraged because you have been suffering from a burnout.
Count Your Blessings
The saying goes that – as long as I have a roof over my head and food on the table, then I’m happy is quite an obvious way to count your blessings. However, if you would like to delve deeper, you can feel grateful for the family support you have during your hard times and also encouragement from your friends. Always remember that if you think you are going through a bad time, there are others going through a tougher situation than you.
Surround Yourself with Encouraging People
Try to surround yourself with encouraging people as much as you can. When you are around people who are positive, they will help to lift you up whenever you feel discouraged by showing you support.
Spend Less Time with Negative People
I know it’s hard to avoid negative people altogether, but just try not to hangout with them so much. If you constantly hear criticism and negative words from them, this will automatically make you feel depressed and discouraged.
Get Some Sleep
If you want to fuel yourself with positive energy every day, a good night’s sleep is vital. Make sure you have enough sleep every night to take on whatever life throws at you the following day. You’ll be amazed at how positive you will react to challenging situations with just that extra bit of sleep!
Stop Comparing Yourself with Others
I admit, this is extremely hard, especially with the presence of social media. However, try not to compare your life with other people’s lives. When you look at other people, you will often view their successes, strengths and victories – because that’s what they normally share! What people don’t normally talk about are their struggles, setbacks, fears and failures. So a golden role is – stop looking at others.
Set Your Own Definition for Being Happy
In some cultures, you need to have a big house, a luxurious car, a fat paycheck, some kids and glamorous job title to feel successful. Why let cultural perspectives of feeling successful control your life and happiness? It’s time for you to take charge and set your own definition for being happy. Remember, it’s your life after all!
Focus on Your Goals, not Your Problems
What does it mean to meet your goals? Will it change your life forever? Is it worth the sacrifice and effort? Just the thought of reaching your goals will be enough for you to push forward when faced with problems, discouragement and obstacles. Trust me!
Dealing with discouragement can be very challenging. But with a positive attitude towards this sort of feeling, I’m sure you will be able to overcome it. Have you been discouraged in your life? How did you overcome it?
References:
http://www.littlethingsmatter.com/blog/2010/09/07/how-to-quickly-deal-with-discouragement/
http://careynieuwhof.com/2013/10/21-ways-to-overcome-personal-discouragement/
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/12-things-when-get-discouraged.html
