I’ve been thinking about frustration lately. Specifically about a class I took where the experience didn’t match what was advertised. I tried to address it in different ways, but my concerns never seemed to land. At some point, I realized part of my frustration came from wanting more control than I actually had, and from expectations that were probably too rigid. That shift in perspective helped.
On this Wise Walk, I want to explore what happens when our expectations clash with reality, and how we can extract value from those moments anyway. Instead of staying in disappointment, we can examine what the situation reveals, let go of what we can’t influence, and work with what’s actually available to us. The more we do this, the more capable we become at adapting and refocusing on what genuinely matters.
- Have you felt frustrated by anything recently, and when you gave yourself space to process that emotion what did you learn about yourself in the process?
- Is there a quality or pattern tied to that frustration, and can you redirect that energy in a way that shifts the experience or even the outcome?
- When you look back at present or past frustrations, what awareness is that feeling trying to bring forward about what truly matters to you?
- After doing everything you could to communicate or realign with someone else, how can you adjust your expectations around what you can and cannot control?
- What is it that you ultimately want to experience in this situation, and where can you release the heavy or negative feelings that are weighing you down?
- Where can you pause and say to yourself, this is what I’m learning about who I am, and this is how I’m going to respond so I can stay in my stride?
- When frustration sparks that immediate knee-jerk reaction, what is the deeper feeling underneath it? How do you usually respond, and how can you pivot your energy so you feel more aligned and at peace?
- What lessons have surfaced for you when things didn’t go the way you expected, and how did those moments shape your confidence to move forward?
- How do you balance holding high expectations with extending grace when outcomes fall short of what you envisioned?
- Where in your life right now can you practice letting go of control and trusting that you can still grow even if the circumstances aren’t ideal?
- How can you turn an unexpected setback, like a delay or disruption, into an opportunity to practice patience and creativity in the way you respond?
- What helps you remember that every experience, even frustrating ones, can still offer something valuable if you’re open to seeing it?
I’d love to hear what you took away from today’s episode. Feel free to reach out and share your Wise Walk reflections, awareness, and lessons you’re gaining. If you found value here, please share this episode or leave a review so we can continue to grow together and expand this community that I’m so proud to be a part of. I look forward to going on another Wise Walk with you next Thursday, so be sure to tune in.
In this episode:
- [03:01] At different times in my career I’ve led and managed training programs. I geek out on learning so that I can teach what I learn.
- [04:07] As this current class is drawing to a close, I realized that we are way behind and we are not going to accomplish all the learning objectives. I tried to communicate this to the best of my ability, but I’m not sure I was heard in an actionable way.
- [06:12] I realized that I’m just going to have to accept this. I also realized that I might have some control issues when it comes to key learning objectives not being met.
- [07:17] On a human level, I enjoy the teacher and really appreciate the people.
- [08:17] Frustration for me can sometimes indicate a level of control. I have to ask if there’s an opportunity for me to learn something different.
- [09:12] Even if you communicate, it may not influence the person you’re speaking with.
- [12:09] I’m also preparing to go back to St. Augustine for a week. I just got a notification that my flight has been changed to include a four and a half hour layover.
- [14:04] I had an awareness that I can only control what I can control. Fortunately, I was able to book a different flight.
- [15:20] Knowing what our triggers are and how to pivot through them can bring us at peace again and build confidence.
- [16:09] Maybe I’m learning to find my center and feel grounded regardless of the circumstance. I’m speaking up for myself and making the best of the situation.
Memorable Quotes:
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- “I can only control what I can control, and I have to let the rest go if I still want to salvage the best I can out of this experience.” – Mary Tess
- “The more we face adversity, the more we build the muscle to realign and get back into stride.” – Mary Tess
- “I always regret being silent more than I regret communicating.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources: