Encouragement and Frustration

Have you ever come to the end of your rope? Have you ever faced circumstances or situations that create total frustration and make it appear as if there is no hope? I have felt those feelings many times. I have had friends and family feel those emotions at times. Frustration is a part of life that we cannot escape.

Many people that you will associate with carry frustration and will need to be encouraged. Frustration is a sure sign of anger carried within a person. You get angry when something unplanned or unfortunate happens. The anger may subside, but you still carry frustration over the incident. This frustration can be seen through external signs such as inappropriate language or negative talk about organizations, people or circumstances. So how do you encourage people who carry frustration? Consider the following.

• Listen - many people carry frustration because people do not listen to them.
• Do Not Minimize - many people carry frustration because others do not see their issues as legitimate.
• Show Empathy - when listening show proper body language and use phrases like, “I can understand that,” or, “I can see how you feel”.
• Speak When Invited - there is nothing more frustrating to a person than when others offer advice or comments without an invitation to do so. If you are a good listener, you will be invited to give feedback.  Then…
• Offer Positive Feedback - many times people who carry frustration need to hear positive input. They've grown used to being negative. When they hear positive insights about the situation it can help change their perspective.
• Be Compassionate - showing compassion will help a person carrying frustration to open up and talk. It is not hard to figure out how to show compassion. A compassionate touch on the shoulder or a simple hug can do the trick.
• Give Feedback Through Questions - speaking direct instructions to a frustrated person can often cause deeper levels of frustration. Ask open ended questions such as, “Why do you feel that way?” or, “Have you ever looked at it this way?”  I think you get the point.

The power of encouragement can bring clarity, assurance, and peace. Millions of people live in fear and frustration every day. Maybe you can be that encouraging presence that leads a person from frustration to peace. Make it a priority to be an encouraging presence to whoever you may meet.

Be Encouraged,

Rick