How do you handle your disappointments? If you have children, how do you teach them to handle disappointment?
I had a disappointment on last Friday, November 9th. I am a Toastmaster and I had made plans to attend the District 13 Fall Conference in State College Pennsylvania. It did not happen.
I could see the disaster approaching. As a technology professional, when our computer network crashed, I knew it was my job to get it back up and running. My personal time would need to be consumed and personal engagements would need to be postponed or canceled. Please, no pity here. I am quite content with the fact that this is a part of my job.
However, I was disappointed. I was going to miss the conference which I was looking forward to very much. And my children knew it. Time to sulk? Or time to teach a lesson?
First I had to convince myself. Positive: Was this so bad? First, there would be another conference. Negative: But I was looking forward to this. Negative: But I was prepared and ready for this one. Positive: You’ll be prepared and excited for any conference that comes in the future. Positive: There’ll be another and you’ll enjoy it. There’ll always be another that you’ll look forward to.
So what I ended up repeating to myself and to those who gave tried to grant me sympathy was: “It’s just part of the job. I’ll enjoy the next one.” I then went home and repeated it several times for the sake of my children. If I wanted them to look on the bright side of things, I had to let them see me doing the same.
One of my favorite authors, Jefferey Gitomer, has recognized the power of positive thinking.
How do you stay positive? Let me know.
