Frustration and loss of hope are normal emotions. They occur specifically when things are not going according to plan or if you need to wait more than anticipated, for example, for a promotion, the project you are looking for, or your career shift. Whether it is a conflict with your manager, you want to break free or feel unfulfilled professionally.
Frustration creeps in slowly and surely, and you need to be aware of these emotions to combat them, as frustration is not serving you well. Emotions of unhappiness and career frustration decrease one’s performance and growth, and staying positive seems impossible. The good news is that staying positive is not impossible. It is all about learning to navigate these difficult times.
Here are some strategies for moving from frustration to a positive outlook. You don’t need the perfect circumstances to have a positive perspective.
5 Tips About How to Stay Positive in Your Career
1. Accept and embrace your feelings
I seem to repeat myself in each blog. Be aware of your emotions, what you feel, what you desire, and what is missing. Suppressing emotions just fuels your frustration and negative self-talk.
Name why you feel the way you feel at work. Is it stagnation, lack of recognition, a toxic environment, or simply boredom, a desire to try something else? Once you know what is causing that frustration, it is easier to find a solution. Not only in your thoughts but also in writing them down and even prioritizing them. Which one of them causes you the most negative emotions, and what is the reason for it? Writing it down decreases the emotional burden and seeing it on paper gives you clarity and a feeling of control.
2. Focus on your circle of influence
What do I mean by that? Focus and direct your energy to what you can control and not on what cannot change. Like gravity, which we accept and deal with. Or the weather. Rather than feeling powerless, always remember: You are the CEO of your career.
Here are some tips:
- Upskill yourself – whether in the domain you are working or complete new skills;
- Internal and external networking – who can help you move where, and whom you can contact to get more information about the promotion. Knowledge is power. And you have the power;
- Research – what does it need to shift your career, how can I navigate safely and yet proactively;
- Seeking feed-forward – what do you lack as human skills and technical skills and ask for help and support
By taking the above steps, you will immediately shift your emotions to the positive and take steps toward your goal.
3. Reframe your perspective
The situation is the same; how you look at it, your perception and your mindset make the difference. Often, we focus on what is not working and forget that we have many reasons to be positive and grateful. Challenges are presented to us to make us stronger. Let us grow and learn.
Questions to ask yourself during the difficult times when you feel stagnant and nothing moves.
- What is the lesson here?
- What am I learning from this experience?
- How will this contribute to my growth?
And there is always a time for things to happen. Patience is vital, and consistency is even more critical.
4. Setting new goals and scan yourself
What you have done so far has not worked, so you need to change course. First, find out what is working and what is not.
Secondly, assess yourself. Are your career goals still aligned with how you want to live a professional life? What is missing, and what is non-negotiable?
Are you living your calling, your passion? If not, how can you live it in a way that makes you alive and fulfilled?
These are your goals, and you can change them at any time. If you feel that they are no longer appropriate, replace them with what you really want to achieve.
Set small steps and milestones and celebrate them along your journey. Enjoy each step, as these are your steps toward your dream profession.
5. Build your positive network
Surround yourself with positive mindsets, with humans who can lift you up, believe in you, and challenge you at the same time. Who is there for you in case of questions and self-doubt? Your mood and positive self-talk are imperative to keeping a positive outlook and not getting into frustrated thoughts.
You need peers, friends, and families you can rely on and who can give you the feed-forward you need to advance and not give up.
If you feel particularly isolated or discouraged, seek professional support from a mentor or career coach. You don’t need to be alone on this journey. Having someone experienced, knowledgeable, and skilful will empower you to kick start and equip you with the mindset you need to succeed.
Finding Positivity in Career Frustrations
Frustration in someone’s career is common and expected. Embrace it, name it, and own it. But that does not define your professional path at all. It is just a phase that will end as nothing lasts forever. With a mindset shift and actionable steps, you will feel you have control and transform that frustration into your superpower and driver.
Enjoy the ride, and if you need a hand, reach out.
Always here to be your companion.