13 Steps to Deal with Disappointment in a Healthy Way

1. Choose healthy coping mechanisms:

which is my polite way of saying don’t drink, eat or snort your way through your disappointment!

The problem with those sort of choices is that they seem like a quick fix, but they can actually make problems much, much worse.

2. Talk about it:

You can either keep your feelings in, where they tend to fester, or you can let it out… and it really is a case of better out than in!

Talking with someone you trust can help you feel calmer and more in control.

3. Look at the big picture:

A lot of the time our setbacks and disappointments might feel huge, but in the big scheme of your life they’re probably just a blip on the radar.

Know who you are and what you’re worth:

When you know your self worth, and you treat yourself with kindness and respect, you’re better equipped to handle setbacks and disappointments in life because you know that they do not define who you are.

4. Be honest about your feelings:

If you feel disappointed, OK, admit that to yourself so that you can process it, accept it and then move forward.

5. Focus on acceptance:

You can either fight against the reality of whatever did or didn’t happen, or you can accept that what is is what is so that you can then move forward.

6. Manage your expectations:

It’s important to have hope in life however you also need to find a balance by considering what can realistically be achieved or delivered.

7. Tackle self doubt head-on:

Know who you are and what you’re capable of, and be proactive about confronting your doubts so that you can let go of them.

8. Turn disappointment into an opportunity to grow:

Consider the situation objectively and look for what it has to teach you, and then apply those lessons by taking action or making changes where necessary.

9. Try looking at things from a different angle:

It can be easy for our emotions to overwhelm us and narrow our focus, which can prevent you from seeing all of the different possibilities that might exist.

10. Stop trying to be perfect:

Perfect doesn’t exist, and you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment.

Know what really matters to you: when you know what your needs are (versus your wants) and you’re clear on what your priorities are, it helps you to put things into context.

11. Make thoughtful choices:

Taking the time to consider what you will or will not do next, so that you can apply what you’ve learned from the disappointment.

12. Focus on moving forward:

What has happened has happened, and no amount of going over it or beating yourself up is going to change things.

13. Keep going:

All things take time, effort and perseverance, and yes you will quite likely face setbacks from time to time…but the more you persist, the more progress you make.