We have all felt the pain of disappointment, especially when our heart is set on something we truly want. I remember applying for the “perfect” job and feeling absolutely devastated when I wasn’t hired. Little did I know that something even better was waiting and all I had to do was open my heart and mind to all the possibilities.
When we are in the pain of disappointment we don’t want to hear words like – optimism, persistence, hope or “it’ll get better.” But, this is exactly the time to rein in those negative emotions and map out a workable and positive plan of action.
Here are five practical ways to positively deal with professional disappointment:
1. Write out specific goals and timelines.
Is it time to rethink and regroup your current goals and expectations? I’m not saying give up on your hopes and dreams, I’m suggesting revisiting your goals to see what may need tweaking and fine-tuning.
It’s time to write out specific goals that will take you forward. The clearer you can write your goals, the clearer your plan of action. The clearer your plan of action, the more realistic your timelines. A clear plan of action with a realistic timeline will help to keep you going forward day-to-day.
2. Decide what is truly important and what isn’t.
This is the time to separate stubbornness from motivation. What is it that you truly want to achieve in your career? Is it time to rethink your career path?
Ask yourself if you are motivated by prestige, money, education, freedom, independence or something more personal to you. Now is the time to decide what you’ll accept in your career and what you will not. When you think about the future, what is most important to you? Then ask yourself, are you heading in the right direction?
3. Learn from the disappointment.
I know that it may sound trite but it is true, there is a lesson wrapped up in every disappointment. Look carefully for the life lesson. I believe if you don’t see and grasp the lesson now, you’ll keep repeating the same scenario until you actually recognize and learn each lesson.
This is the time to be solution-oriented and ask yourself, “How many ways can I turn this disappointment into something more positive and productive?”
4. Decide to tap into your inner motivators.
If your “why” is big enough, a disappointment can’t stop you from achieving your goals. It is time to look at the list you made in step #2 and use your big “why” as inner motivation. Now is the time to create new affirmations and update your vision board to reflect those powerful inner motivators.
Learn to harness the power of your subconscious mind. Once you define and articulate your “why” for achieving success, your subconscious mind will work very hard with your inner motivators to achieve your goals.
5. Seek counsel, coaching and support.
You don’t have to bear the weight of disappointment alone. This is the time to call on your support network to discuss your feelings and ask for emotional support. If you feel stuck, hire a coach to walk you step-by-step through the goal achieving process.
After a career disappointment, it may not be easy to keep heading forward but that is exactly what you should be doing. Acknowledge the disappointment, feel the pain and then figure out many ways you’ll keep heading positively toward your professional goals.
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Sharon Recommends:
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I've purchased this book for myself and my opinions are solely mine. I am also an affiliate of Amazon.com and if you purchase this book through this link, I will earn a commission.
