Overcoming frustration, discouragement and overwhelm can be very challenging because we are starting from a place of negativity and or despair. It may feel impossible to get to a better place and it certainly can seem like it may last forever.
We have all been there. Everything feels like it is against us, nothing is going the way that we want it to, it can feel like our whole world is crashing down around us. We may feel like screaming, crying, throwing things, blaming others, sleeping, hiding, eating junk or pulling our hair out.
I am well aware of this because this is something that has been a very real struggle in my life over the past week.
I’ve felt everything listed above at one point or another during that time. I’ve been able to pull out of the hole and thought this would be an ideal time to share how I was able to do so…and how you can too.
The first thing to realize is that these challenging times can come at us for a variety of reasons. It isn’t because we are failures, bad people, lacking in personal development, etc.
The challenge of Resistance
Perhaps we are on the verge of some breakthrough in life or business. Resistance often rears it’s ugly head at this time of our lives to test us and prepare us for the success ahead.
Resistance can from ourselves if we have any type of fear of success. Fear of success may sound strange but it is in fact very common because success is new territory and we as people tend to like our comfort zones. Even if we complain about them and find discomfort there, the familiar discomfort seems better than the the unfamiliar success.
True success never comes easy, it is not without the price of challenges and obstacles.
The Challenge from Self-Infliction
Our state of frustration or discouragement can be self-inflicted in a number of ways. It could from a negative mindset that is causing us to focus on what is wrong instead of what is right in life. Or it could be from not taking proper care of our bodies with the right kinds of nutrition and exercise. We could be ignoring self-care and allowing stress to overtake us.
In my case I believe that it was a combination of the two because I have big plans for growing my business and I laid out a solid plan based on my study of other successful people. Once I get this plan in action I know that I will see big changes in my business!
Also I was slacking in my self-care by skipping out on my daily meditation for a couple of days and eating poorly while I started to focus on some negatives in my life instead of the positives. As a result I felt that the world was crumbling down on me and that there was no way out. I couldn’t see any light, I felt alone and helpless.
That was not the end of the story! I didn’t give into my feelings nor did I give up, I took steps that I knew would help me to overcome. Even though at some points I really did not want to!
9 Ways to Overcome
It is possible to overcome these feelings overwhelm and despair. There are several steps that we can take to pull ourselves out even a deep funk. Like I have already mentioned, I was able to do so.
Don’t go there! The first thing that you should do is to stop yourself from going “there” – to the place of negativity. Don’t allow yourself to dwell on what has you worried or stressed out. In the state that you are in it will do you no good at all! Later when your mindset and emotions are strong you can look at the challenges and find solutions. Now is not the time for that! Just don’t go there at all.
Focus on the positives. Look as hard as you need to so that you can find the positives in your life because they really are there. Find those things and think about them. If that truly is impossible (and it may be at this point) then try saying some affirmations to get your mind going in the right direction.
Take care of your spirit. This will mean different things to different people. It may mean reading, praying, meditating, singing, praising, and so much more.
Talk to someone. You really need to talk with others so it’s important to reach out to people who will be able to help you. Reach out to friends in your online community who have been where you are. That’s what I did in a couple of the areas of life and business that I was feeling so frustrated about. Talk to a friend in real life or even go your doctor or local emergency room if it’s that urgent.
Focus on humor. This may sound strange but if you can get yourself laughing you will do yourself a world of good. You can completely change your outlook with this. I went to Pinterest and searched out some topics of humor that I enjoy. At first even things that I normally would laugh at didn’t even phase me but I kept going. Pretty soon I did crack a smile, then a bit later I nearly giggled. Before I knew it I was literally laughing out loud and I felt so much better.
Exercise and eat right. Take these simple steps to take care of your body because if it is running optimally it will serve you both physically and mentally. Exercise will literally help you to feel better! I did a mere ten minute workout that I found online (randomabs) and it helped me to feel a lot better! Take care of your body and it will take care of you.
Feed your mind. It is just as important to feed your mind with good things that it needs. Read personal development books and blogs (you’re on the right track here!), listen to audio books and podcasts. Feed your mind constantly, it’s okay to overfeed it the good stuff. I listened to a lot of personal growth podcasts which really helped out a lot. Also listen to uplifting music, meditate, etc.
Take a break. Take a break from whatever may be causing you stress or overwhelming you. Step back from some responsibilities for a while. Ignore your emails, say no to people who want you to do something that you know will cause you more distress. Take time away from people who are not supporting you.
Fill the air with pleasant scents. Different scents can have different effects on how we feel. They can energize, relax, invigorate, inspire, etc. You can burn candles, incense, boil some cinnamon in water on the stove, use essential oils, and even air fresheners. A little research will help you find exactly what you need!
To Your Success,
PS: If you found this post helpful please share it and leave a comment!
photo credit: SiSter PhotograPher
Thank you for reading! I'm Stacy, the owner of this blog. You can learn more about me here.
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Thank you for sharing all the good advice i here its very useful..
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Thank you, I’m glad that you found it helpful!
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Hi Stacy-
As always very interesting read and very relevant for me. I find myself getting so frustrated and discouraged for the little things. I am now focusing on the positive and on what is good and what I can make better. I really like your first two points. Don’t focus on negative and focus on positive. I am really trying to do that because I am in a negative situation right now.
thanks for the great and relevant read for me!
sean
sean @real estate blogs invites you to read… Abacoa Real Estate | Amenities & Buying a Home
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Hi Sean,
When we are in negative situations it can be extra difficult to not focus on the negative. I’m glad this helped!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy!!
Nice to see this post on your blog specially I am frustrated due too recently my last business loss.I didn’t have idea that I found that post on your blog.
Rizwan Sultan invites you to read… Crohn\’s Blog
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
Hi Rizwan,
I’m sorry to hear about your business loss. I hope that the tips here are able to help you move onto the better things in your future!
Stacy
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Rizwan Sultan Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 10:49 pm
Thanks Stacy!!
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All very good tips. I’m in ‘that’ phase right now. I’ve got my hands up in the air and I’m trying to figure out what step to take next. But I’m doing it all wrong – focusing on the negative, complaining, and well just making it all worse! I’m glad you wrote this post, it was just what I needed to read today.
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
I’m so glad that it is exactly what you needed! I hope that it helps you in your situation!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy what a great article to share with your readers. I know many of our blog engage members would love to read this as we all have times where we feel like giving up, hey even I did. but the point is to move forward to keep trying hard. Nice suggestions for many bloggers out there to take advantage of. You know the one I found a little funny, feed your mind, you also have to remember to feed your body of you can become frustrated easily.
bbrian017 invites you to read… Where To Submit Your Guest Posts
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Hi Brian,
Thank you and I appreciate you sharing it in your Tuesday post!
Stacy
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[...] to share today is something I think we should all be reading as online bloggers. The article named, 9 Ways to Overcome Frustration and Discouragement is very inspiring for many bloggers and I highly recommend you take a moment to read it. This is [...]
Hi Stacy! Very inspiring post! Thank You for sharing it
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Thank you very much, Armi!
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Very good Stacy, it is nice to know you are part of BE. A very good post and I like your blog design.
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Hi Michael,
Thank you and it’s nice to meet you through Blog Engage!
Stacy
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Stacy, there’s something else. Remember the people who care about you. They might be only people who “met” you on your blog, but they love you nevertheless and are rooting for you. They know whatever it is, you are going to get past it, and be better than ever. Everybody gets the blues. Tough times don’t last, tough people do. You didn’t get this far without a whole lot on the ball! You will look back and laugh that a space gremlin was worried about you. You will!
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Thanks very kind, Astro. Thank you very much!
Much appreciated!
Stacy
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Just keep a positive mind, focusing on your desired outcome, which is to learn a good style and technique and also try not to let the others get you down sometimes cause of discouragement is failure. The people were unable to finish their task as quickly as they had originally planned resulting in failures.
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Those can definitely help people work through frustration!
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Stacy, your blog posts are really very wonderful. Trust me, I really needed this kind of post. For past few days, I have been going through a lot of frustration and I couldn’t control my anger. But your tips are very effective and result oriented. Thanks for sharing.
Love this post, keep your best.
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Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Thank you, Zain! I’m so glad to know that this post has helped! Little decisions make a big difference!
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[...] 9 Ways to Overcome Frustration and Discouragement [...]
Hey Stacy,
Smart ways to overcome frustration and discouragement
The big word here is SHIFT..shift you perspective, your attention from the outer noise to the inner silence, from overwhelm to relaxation.
Take a break is a big one..when confusion kick in don’t condemn it..this is an emotional state that comes and goes not something eternal. I found that if I accept whatever comes and allow myself to have a break, clarity comes up again.
Thank you for sharing this post. Love your consistency. You rock!
All the best,
Radu
Radu invites you to read… Blog Content Ideas: 40 Simple Ways To Never Run Dry
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:37 pm
Hi Radu,
Thank you very much! I have to agree with you on the acceptance point. I wrote a good post on that last year, I’ll have to dig that up and refresh my memory!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
You hit the bull’s eye again! This few weeks I’m having this too much burden that I’m too discourage and stress as the result. Well after reading your post I gain new strength to move on. Thanks again.
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[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
March 13th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Hi Diane,
I’m glad that my posts have helped. It must be the long winter because a LOT of people are dealing with stress and overwhelm right now.
Stacy
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Aromatherapy is definitely a great way to do it.
Trevor@candles invites you to read… Spring is in the air!
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Stacy Reply:
March 13th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Yes, it is!
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These are all great suggestions. I am certain that we have all felt frustrated or discouraged. The trick is to not let it consume your life. I think that exercise, support from other people, and humor can go a long way!
Kristen @ stress and health online invites you to read… STRESS STORIES: I Quit My Job and Started a Business
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
March 13th, 2012 at 5:11 pm
Hi Kristen,
You’re right, those factors do go a long way in helping us overcome frustration and discouragement!
Stacy
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Stacy so glad to see emphasis on self care. As solopreneurs we are the soul of our businesses…without us our business would cease to exist. So catering to mind, body, and soul is so essential to continue the journey and persist. Great article Stacy.
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Stacy Reply:
March 13th, 2012 at 7:07 pm
Thank you! Yes, we definitely have to take care of ourselves in our profession!
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Hi Stacy
Thanks for sharing this.. it is gonna help me one day
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Stacy Reply:
April 11th, 2012 at 4:18 pm
I’m glad to hear that!
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Great post Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
I find when I am really getting down that exercise and self reflection helps to get me out of my funk. Great article.
Cynthia invites you to read… What Makes You Happy
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