Frustration: Week 2 11/9/18-11/15/18

frustrating [ˈfrə-ˌstrā-tiŋ]: adjective

1. : causing feelings of anger and annoyance: tending to produce or characterized by frustration

frustration [frə-ˈstrā-shən]: noun

1. : a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs

Frustration is a tricky emotion. On paper, it doesn’t read as a great disposition. With synonyms like: abrasive, annoying, bothersome, exasperating, irksome, maddening, nettlesome, pesky, pestiferous, pestilent, riling, and vexing… just to cover the big ones. Ok, let’s unpack that for a second. First, I know one of those must be a Harry Potter spell, (“Pestiferous Totalus!”) Secondly, when a word shares “irksome,” “nettlesome,” and “vexing,” one doesn’t need to be a synonymic scholar to conclude “frustration” to be less than favorable.

Despite this, I believe frustration to be one of the most defining characteristics of an individual. Perhaps this is self-aggrandizing since frustration seems to have been a prominent emotion throughout my own life. In my experiences I have found consistency in the responses of successful individuals and frustration: patience, and resilience.

We find frustration meets us most when our expectations have not been met. This is inevitable, and this is a common factor in human existence. Our responses to these situations can lead to direct growth, or eventual stagnation—and as Lou Holtz’s adage goes, “In this world you’re either growing or you’re dying so get in motion and grow.” That may be a bit dramatic, but complacency can most certainly to encumbering levels of comfort. Denying yourself the opportunity and experience of trying something, become the process is frustrating or maddening, or hell, even vexing, should never be an excuse. Those moments of frustration test us, and for as much as they feel they take away, they often leave much more behind than we ever realize.