Do you ever get frustrated with your job? Like, legit frustration?
Me too, mom!
This is exactly how I was feeling over the past few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in reports, scenario analysis, and a multitude of vague request. Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond grateful to still have employment during this unpredictable season but the frustration was still very real.
This wasn’t even organized chaos it was just chaos. It was also exhausting and it frequently pulled me away from my kids. I tried to make sure I wasn’t letting them catch the brunt end of my frustration. Sadly, I can’t say that I was always successful. I had to revisit my post on how not to turn into Monster Mommy a few times. Read it HERE.
I hit a wall and realized that I couldn’t let my frustration get the best of me. On the days that I wanted to throw in the towel, I practices these three coping mechanisms to get me from over it to dealing with it.
✔Focus on the good, even it just means thinking about the fact that I still have a paycheck
You have two choices, you can look at the world as an half empty cup or half full cup. Making the decision to put a positive spin on these types of circumstances helps to minimize frustrations.
✔Pause before you react and collect thoughts and emotions
The phrase “look before you leap” is so fitting for this tip. If you look up the meaning of the phrase “look before you leap” one of the definitions is:
one shouldn’t act without first considering the possible consequences or dangers.
Google Dictionary
It’s important to pause before you react in order to minimize additional stress and frustration.
✔Give the benefit of the doubt and expect good intent from others
One of my mentors instilled this principle in me. Don’t be so quick to assume someone is intentionally trying to make work difficult. If you give others the benefit of the doubt you won’t get as frustrated with them.
If you know someone has bad intentions or perhaps they are just a disgruntled colleague, pray for them an move on.
When all of this doesn’t work, I pray and remind myself of this scripture:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do…” John 14:12 (NKJV)
It gives me the push I need to keep working hard through the frustration. There’s work to be done so I must be here for a reason.
I hope this motivational moment has been helpful. Leave a comment and let me know how you deal with workplace frustration.
This is really good. When I’m frustrated at work… I take a break and go walk for a moment. Sit on a bench somewhere and decompressed. I found that getting some fresh air helps me!
I love the last point. I heard that in a marriage course when my husband and I were engaged. The pastor encouraged to remember that our spouses are not intentionally trying to hurt us. I think that’s mostly true in other relationships too.