Virtually everyone experiences disappointment in their lives from time to time. Your favourite football team might have lost in the final game. Perhaps, work did not go as expected, or your wedding got postponed. It is a painful blow that can keep you depressed for weeks or even months. However, it can be less difficult if you learn how to deal with disappointment in a healthy way.
Understanding Disappointment
Disappointment is an unpleasant feeling that emerges when an outcome falls short of your expectations. It occurs when your aspirations do not match up with reality. Disappointment usually sets in whenever you do not acquire something you have been waiting for in a long time. You feel let down that your anticipated results did not materialize.
The chasm between expectation and reality is where disappointment originates. Feelings induced by disappointment might range from slight irritation to severe heartbreak and disorientation, possibly even despair. It is complicated and has a profound effect on physical, mental, and emotional health. The higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment.
The Sources of Disappointment
To resolve an issue, you go to its root, right? Without debate, carefully examining the source of your disappointment is one strategy required to deal with it. Let’s get into how to deal with disappointment in business.
Unrealistic Expectations
The human mind is exceptional. It has abilities that other species do not have. It is capable of creating future expectations. However, your expectations about any circumstance are what dictate what you feel about the outcome.
People automatically get disappointed when they can’t accomplish a goal or meet a deadline. Many anticipate reaching specific milestones within a certain timeframe. It could be marriage, moving up a corporate ladder, or building a house. Disappointment is inevitable if you have unreasonable expectations.
Additionally, people place far too much faith in what other people say or do. It can leave you feeling let down when these demands aren’t met. When you expect others to be devout and set goals without a realistic look at the situation, life becomes painful.
The Arrival Fallacy
Have you ever put a lot of effort into achieving a goal that leaves you depressed rather than happy after crossing the finish line? The arrival fallacy is a misconception that you will enjoy true happiness once you accomplish a particular goal.
People tend to become preoccupied with their long-term dreams to the detriment of their present well-being. They have a laser-like focus on a goal and the joy it will bring. But the secret is to enjoy the journey.
Truthfully, you might feel ecstatic when you achieve this goal. However, very shortly, your happiness level returns to normal. You start to feel empty. Your mood becomes impacted by the disappointment of not getting the anticipated bliss or experiencing it only temporarily.
With the arrival fallacy, you risk living in the fantasies of a bright future while being completely dissatisfied in the present. You don’t need to abandon your dreams, regardless, make time every day for the things that make you happy.
Childhood Experiences
Experiences in life can influence the communication between the mind and the body. Your upbringing may have had a tragic involvement with your feeling of disappointment. Childhood trauma can take a psychological toll.
Perhaps, due to a loss, your subconscious presumes a bad outcome for every situation. Your mind constantly replays the feeling of despair analogous to the traumatic occurrence you went through as a child. Transitions can be challenging. You are not used to practising positive thinking. Even when beautiful things happen, you still feel disappointed.
4 Tips for Dealing with Disappointment
Disappointment is a common emotion, yet one of the most difficult to deal with. Knowing the reason for your disappointment is not enough to get you through. So here are four effective ways to deal with disappointment:
Let It Out
The first step is to allow yourself to feel the disappointment. This is essential in order to properly release it from your body. Recognize your feelings and find the appropriate way to express them. You can open up to your buddy, keep a journal, or meet with a therapist. You may also engage in healthy activities such as a long run, yoga and aerobics. You might even need to let out a good cry to liberate your body from the trapped emotions. Suppressing your emotions can impede your personal development. Acknowledge you are disappointed and allow the emotions to flow naturally.
Get Perspective from Others
When things aren’t going your way, it’s easier to feel surrounded by a dark cloud. You feel the world is ending rather than see the big view. Clarity can be achieved by discussing your disappointment with your close friends. Talking to someone is the greatest approach to getting the support you need. These individuals can offer a fresh perspective on your circumstance. They can also aid in brainstorming solutions. This helps reduce stress and lifts your spirits. Therefore, if disappointment is starting to consume you, don’t be afraid to ask someone you can trust for help.
Practice Self-Acceptance
Humans are not always ready to acknowledge things even when they are aware of unavoidable situations. When disappointment strikes, it might be tempting to point fingers. Recognizing your own responsibility and contribution to unfortunate circumstances is crucial in coping with disappointment. Disappointment won’t be as overpowering if you understand your mistake isn’t the end of the world. Do not dwell on your failure for too long, otherwise, your mental health will suffer. You need to concentrate on positive thinking, affirmations, and keeping positive people around you.
Reframe Failure as a Learning Experience
Grumbling won’t put out the flames of disappointment. Instead, please take advantage of the lessons that come with it. The possibility of learning exists as long as you breathe. Ask yourself what you have discovered from the situation or what you would change if you could. Happiness and optimism are choices. You are in charge of how you interpret your experiences. Focus on how the experience can turn into something positive. When you decide to learn from your disappointments, they can become springboards. Therefore, do not dismiss, ignore, or become engrossed with rage, improve yourself, grow, and learn instead.
Conclusion
Is feeling disappointed good for you?
Yes and no.
Many people find disappointment impossible to understand and control. Perhaps, in the heat of the moment, it is bad. However, the choices you make and the steps you take afterwards can drastically change things. Look for means to let the emotion out. You may dance, scream, and sob until you feel renewed.
If you are having trouble getting over your emotions still, it might be best to consult a medical expert.
