Assignment begins below. Please take the course of your week to complete. If it takes you longer, that is okay. Be patient with yourself as you thoughtfully think through it all.
Goal
DISAPPOINTMENT. It is never a goal, but it should be planned for.
In this journey we’ve been on together, there is bound to be something that has disappointed you along the way. I used to attempt to avoid the conversation, but I think maybe that has been a disservice to this community. It’s gonna happen because life is just that way. So rather than shy away from it, let’s dive into it.
We have all heard people say or post about “moving in silence” and not sharing your dreams with the wrong people etc, etc…but what if you didn’t find out in time and was hugely disappointed by a response? What about when you went to your friend for help during a hard time and didn’t get the help you needed? What about when you worked on your credit for the last two years and still got denied for the small business loan? DISAPPOINTMENTS HAPPEN.
Let’s plan for the next one…
Identify
In this weeks’ journal assignment, let’s focus on steps to protect ourselves mentally from disappointments. In your journal, write about each one of these ways to protect yourself and what that looks like in your every day life. Write it all out; the good, the bad, the ugly, and the pretty. Think about a big thing you have coming up, or maybe just planning for some unforeseen thing. It all is relevant.
Mental protection is essential when it comes to dealing with disappointments. Here are some steps that I can take to mentally protect myself from disappointments:
Set realistic expectations: Unrealistic expectations can set me up for disappointment. Therefore, it's important to set realistic expectations and focus on progress rather than perfection. I need to be patient with myself and understand that setbacks are a normal part of the process.
Focus on the present: Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Instead, I can focus on the present moment and take things one step at a time. This can help me stay grounded and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Practice self-care: Taking care of my physical and emotional well-being can help me feel more resilient and better equipped to deal with disappointments. This might include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking time for relaxation and self-reflection.
Reframe negative thoughts: Negative thoughts can be self-fulfilling and lead to a cycle of disappointment. By reframing negative thoughts and focusing on positive self-talk, I can build resilience and boost my confidence. This might involve challenging negative beliefs, replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations, and visualizing success.
Cultivate a positive support system: Having a positive support system can provide a valuable source of encouragement and motivation. I can surround myself with people who uplift and inspire me, whether it's friends, family, or a support group. It's also important to seek out professional help if needed.
Practice gratitude: Practicing gratitude can help me stay positive and focused on the good things in my life. This might involve keeping a gratitude journal, expressing gratitude to others, or taking time to appreciate the beauty around me.
By taking these steps, I can build mental resilience and protect myself from disappointment. While disappointments are a natural part of life, I can develop the tools and strategies to bounce back and move forward with grace and confidence.
Affirmation
Disappointments happen, but I am enough and I learn from every misstep.