How to Handle Life’s Most Common Frustrations

Life can feel like one frustration after another. Most of the frustrations you deal with are dealt with by everyone. Being human is largely a universal experience, so there are plenty of ideas floating around about how to deal with the frustrations that frequently appear in life.
While all frustrations can’t be completely eliminated, they can be greatly minimized.

Consider these common frustrations:

1. The inability to control yourself. This is perhaps the most common frustration of all. Whether you want to follow a diet, get to the gym each day, clean out the garage, pay your bills, save money, or stop staying up late watching TV, it can be extremely frustrating when you can’t control yourself.

• Be clear on why you want to take or avoid a specific action. Why do you want to go to the gym? What do you gain? What is the consequence of not going?
• Visualize being successful. If you can clearly imagine it, you’ll be more likely to do it. Imagine yourself doing, or not doing, the action.
• When we have the urge to do something we shouldn’t, or have resistance to doing something we should do, it creates tension. Relax your neck and shoulders and take a deep breath.

1. The lack of financial resources. This is one of life’s most common complaints. Whether you need money to buy food or your dream car, a lack of financial resources is frustrating. There are only two ways to deal with this issue:

• Increase your supply of money. This can be accomplished by earning more money, spending less, or saving more. Find a way to increase the amount of value you’re delivering to the world, and the money will follow.
• Decrease your list of wants. We all want more than we need. If you can cut back on the things you think you need, you’ll have more money available for other things.
  

1. The behavior of others. While there are thousands of books on how to influence others, it’s only influence, not control. There are many things you can do to get others to do what you want, but it’s never a sure thing. Avoid trying to control them, and you’ll be less frustrated.
   
2. Indecisiveness. Indecisiveness is the result of either a lack of information, a lack of goals, or a lack of clarity regarding your values. If you take care of those three areas, your indecisiveness will lessen dramatically.
   • Understand that if you’re stuck, one option is probably just as good as another. Pick one and get busy.
   • As a general rule, it’s worse to fail to make a decision than to make a poor decision. When you don’t make up your mind, nothing happens.
     
3. Others sabotaging your efforts. This is another common frustration. Most of the people in your life would like to see you do well, but not too well. It’s hard on their egos for a variety of reasons. Just accept it as a part of human nature and move on.

• If someone is actively trying to sabotage you, confront them. If that doesn’t work, decide if you really need them to be part of your life. 

Life will always have its frustrations, but you can minimize many of them. You’re not alone regarding most of the frustrations you face. Most frustrations are universal. Deal with the frustrations that are within your control and try to relax regarding the rest.
If you have an questions or feel that we could help in any way please call us at 815-932-5425 or visit us on the web at TriStarKarate.com