Who here has ever gotten frustrated at anything? You’ve not yet been able to nail playing that riff. Someone’s annoying you. No matter how many times you’ve tried baking Delia Smith’s foolproof blueberry cake it just won’t rise. I’m over here sticking both of my hands up!
I read a quote recently by Confucius
What wise words. We can take this encouragement and apply it to anything in life when we find ourselves in situations that feel like they’re getting the better of us. The key is to keep moving forward, no matter how long it takes, because you’ll get there in the end!
With that in mind, here are a few tips to help in those moments where you feel like you want to throw in the towel:
Take a break
When you’ve been working at something over and over again or if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the situation at hand, it’s important to take a step back whether it be for 5 minutes, an hour, or the next day. Go for a walk. Get a drink. Move on to another activity. When you come back you’ll have fresh eyes and a clear head and you’ll be ready to tackle what’s in front of you.
Talk it out
Find a friend or family member you can talk to about what’s making you feel frustrated. Even if they’re not able to give advice sometimes just having a listening ear really helps. It’s OK to be frustrated, just make sure you don’t stay in that place. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, go watch a silly cat video on YouTube.
Focus on the positive things
Always look at what you’ve achieved, how far you’ve come, and what is going well first instead of being hard on yourself for the things that aren’t going well yet. Instead of looking at “negative” things, see them as goals to crush!
You’re in charge
Instead of blaming others or your circumstances when things go wrong, just focus on the things you can control, and how you can improve the situation. You’ve got this!
Don’t give up
When we’re feeling frustrated it’s very easy to feel like giving up, but you never know how close you are to your breakthrough. Like the quote above says, even if you have to go really slowly or stop for a time out, as long as you keep your eyes on the prize and move forwards you’ll get there with hard work and determination.
Be kind to yourself
You’re not perfect, nobody is! It’s OK to struggle or need a break. It’s OK to not get it right first time. The important thing is that you keep trying and always do your best. There’s only one of you and you do things differently to everybody else, and that’s just the way it’s supposed to be.
Whatever it is you’re working towards, whether it be your homework or the Harry Potter theme tune remember to keep working hard, try your best, and don’t give up! Let us know how you get on!
Written by: Elizabeth
