“Frustration is a very positive sign. It means that the solution to your problem is within range, but what you’re currently doing isn’t working, and you need to change your approach in order to achieve your goal.”
Tony Robbins, Awaken the Giant Within
Beyond the Quote (125/365)
Frustration is the feeling you get when you try, try again; yet fail, fail again. And what do most people do when faced with ‘fail, fail again?‘ Quit. They stop trying to do whatever it was that they were failing at and move on to something else—something that they can succeed at again. Something that is most likely back inside of their comfort zone and well within their range of already proven skills, knowledge, and understanding. Why? Because succeeding feels good and failing feels bad. But, the price of giving in to frustration is steep.
Before we continue let’s take a step back and assume that whatever it is you’re working on is worthwhile and a priority. There is certainly something to be said about quitting when it’s appropriate. If you’re getting frustrated that you can’t beat a certain level of your video game, for example—it’s 100% okay to give in to frustration! Quit! It’s not worth it. This is NOT the time to have perseverance. Unless, for some reason this video game is a worthwhile pursuit and is a high priority in your life. In which case, by all means. But, for the intent of this discussion, let’s assume that what you’re working through is something that is important not only to you, but to some greater purpose beyond you.
The price you pay when you choose to quit doing this type of important and worthwhile work, is exactly that—the work. Your contribution never gets made. The problem never gets solved. Your gift never gets shared. And what happens when you choose to revert back to doing something that you were successful with before? Something that’s within your already established skillset and domain of knowledge? Nothing. You simply continue to regurgitate more of the same. The key component that’s missing in your life when you choose to revert in ANY area of life is growth.
Growth is one of the fundamental components of life that give us a sense of meaning, worth, and accomplishment. Growth is life. The opposite of growth is regression—or slow death. Think about your personal endeavors. What motivates you to persevere more than anything else? I’m willing to bet it’s progress. Progress outweighs pep-talks/ pump up videos/ personalized coaching/ prizes/ even conferences in paradise—nothing beats it. Why? Because progress is FELT. Everything else is witnessed or heard. Progress comes from the inside-out whereas everything else comes from the outside-in.
Changing The Way You See Frustration:
This is why it’s time to change your mind about frustration. Frustration is not the enemy. And you need to really hear me out on this because it’s really easy for me to say this and really easy for you to read this, but really hard for either of us to internalize this: frustration is your ally. It’s your compass. It’s one of the most important signals you could ever ask for on your quest for never-ending growth. I would even go as far to say it’s an absolute blessing!
Frustration literally indicates where you stand in relation to your comfort zone. Really, really frustrated? Then you’re really, really far outside of your comfort zone. Content? Then you’re inside of your comfort zone. Frustrated? Then you’re just outside of your comfort zone; the sweet spot. The spot where you challenge, question, and put to the test your current domain of thinking; your current set of skills; your current understanding of the world. And what comes out on the other side of this consistent trial and error? That’s right. The holy grail of life—growth. That is, if you have the grit and wherewithal to see it through.
Here’s the game plan: change the way your mind responds to frustration. Stop running from it. Seek it! Follow your frustration. And when you find it? Welcome that beautiful blessing with open arms! Most people naturally respond with anger, disappointment, and spite. The most successful people respond with smirks, determination, and playfulness. Remember: If you keep on doing what you’ve been doing you’re going to keep on getting what you’ve been getting. You need to resolve to NOT keep getting what you’ve been getting. You need to resolve to the process—both short-term and long-term—of overcoming those barriers of frustration. Make the decision today that the next time you find yourself getting frustrated, instead of getting angry and worked up, you’re going to smile and turn up. Can’t wait to see what results. Good luck.
This post became the introduction for: 44 Empowering Tony Robbins Quotes from Awaken the Giant Within
Don't Let the Motivation Stop There...!
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