8 Ways to Overcome Disappointment
8 Ways to Overcome Disappointment
Everyone faces disappointments in life. Some disappointments are minor while others can be catastrophic. However, you choose how to manage and overcome your disappointment. You are in charge of your actions and reactions.
Usually, disappointment happens because an outcome we hoped for or expected did not come to fruition. This happens frequently throughout your life so knowing how to overcome your disappointment will help you move on and find happiness.
Wallow and Move On
When something disappointments you, don’t ignore your feelings. It’s okay to be sad and feel frustrated. This happens in all areas of life when your expectations aren’t met. Let yourself feel the emotions but don’t wallow in your disappointment. Let it go and move on after you grieve through it.
Gain Different Perspectives
During your wallowing phase, you may need to get new perspectives by asking for friends’ opinions. Make sure you’re ready to hear the unvarnished truth before you ask. There is no right or wrong here. You just want new perspectives.
Engage in Positive Activities
Once you’re tired of wallowing, start doing things that make you feel good and positive about life. You may want to read a book, listen to uplifting music, watch funny movies, or spend time with people you love.
Detach from The Outcome
If your expectation was not realistic, the outcome was probably inevitable. Detach from the outcome and look at the process that caused the disappointment. You may be able to prevent that same thing from occurring again.
Deal with Your Cognitive Dissonance
Everyone has deeply held convictions that are erroneous. Sometimes disappointments occur when your convictions are challenged. It’s hard to let go of something you thought was true, even when you are faced with the evidence.
Acknowledge the Opportunity for Growth
When you have a situation where an outcome is not what you thought it would be, you have an opportunity to learn something new and grow. When you understand what went wrong, why it went wrong, and what, if anything, you could do differently next time would help you accept the outcome
Do Your Best
All you can do in life is the best you can do based on what you know. If you’re challenging your ideas, learning new ways of thinking, and moving through disappointments in life that’s really all you can do.
Practice Acceptance
Acceptance means that you realize it is what it is, and you can’t undo the past. While something may be disappointing, accepting the facts gives you the opportunity to move on and change plans.
You can overcome disappointment in life and bounce back faster with practice. Set up a contingency plan that will help you overcome disappointment, and you’ll see that you can deal with it in a new way that will ensure your future success and happiness.
