Unlocking Disappointment
Disappointment. It happens when reality falls below our expectations. We all experience it. We all feel it. And most of us cringe when it shows up.
· Sometimes you fail.
· Sometimes your team doesn’t win or play well, when you thought they would.
· Sometimes you don’t get the promotion when you thought you should.
· How about not passing a certification?
· …or when you fall short serving a customer well?
Sometimes, the person who disappoints us most is the one looking back in the mirror.
I’ve been disappointed in how I prepared for a test or a sales call… or when I showed up for an event, but didn’t bring the right mindset.
I’ve said things I shouldn’t have said, shared things I shouldn’t have shared, lost business, damaged relationships, and simply not given my best. All disappointing.
Years ago, I was a young manager and asked to be considered for the operations manager at one of our branches. I didn’t have a lot of experience, but I went for it because I could make more money. I interviewed well and was told the GM wanted to make me an offer. He really liked me and wanted to teach me the role. The following week, our VP of Operations called me into a meeting to let me know he wasn’t going to approve me for the role. He shared several reasons why and how I wasn’t ready for the role. I was so disappointed. I couldn’t believe that he would prevent me from learning the role. The following year, I was promoted in the company for another role, and it worked out. Sometimes, things don’t work out because you are being prepared for something better ahead. Sometimes there is a lesson you need to learn before you can elevate. I remember being frustrated and disappointed, until I decided to move forward.
These moments are hard. But I’ve learned something along the way:
Disappointment doesn’t have to become discouragement.
When you’re disappointed in yourself - own your lane! Learn from it, forgive yourself, and say, I’ve got to get better. I admire the people that do this.
They don’t let disappointment dance around in their head, reminding them over and over of what they should have done differently. Let it teach you - but not define you.
And when you’re disappointed in someone else? Forgive.
Relationships are hard. People will fall below your expectations, and you will fall too. Before judging someone else too harshly, look in the mirror and remember there have been times when you needed grace too. …and when you look in that mirror, share these 10 words to unlock “the disappointment vault”…“if it is to be, it is up to me”.
Stay in pursuit… Bw
Quote of the Day “You can’t change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction.” -Jim Rohn
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