Source of Frustration

Someone once explained to me how frustration happens. Simply put, frustration occurs when reality fails to meet our expectations. Think about that for a minute.

“ Frustration occurs when reality fails to meet expectations.

When driving in traffic, frustration grows when others do not clear the way for us as we might expect them to. When waiting on your food in a restaurant, frustration pops up if it takes longer than we expected. When our spouse does not respond in the way we expected, frustration is quick to appear. I am sure you can think of a few examples yourself!

So the same is true when business is good for a period of time. We begin to expect the success to continue. On the surface, that expectation does not sound unreasonable. In fact, some business books would encourage this expectation. “It drives you to push,” they might say.

Change of Perspective?

I won’t argue that, but I would suggest that there is another element going on that you should consider. I would suggest you may need to consider changing your perspective.

Regardless of what certain preachers on TV may tell you, this life is not about prosperity. It is not about our comfort or wealth in this world. If you look at Scripture closely, you will see something very different.

What Does The Bible Say?

Jesus promised us trouble in this world (John 16:33). James told us to consider it pure joy when we face trials (James 1:2). Paul told us God works everything out for good, but he also said He is conforming us to the likeness of Jesus (Romans 8:28-29). That is a good thing, but it does not always feel good to the one being conformed!

I promise I am not trying to drag you down. There is good news coming…

Follow me closely on this. If you continue to read Scripture, you will also realize that Jesus has overcome the world that gives us trouble (John 16:33). At the end of the story, every knee will bow (Philippians 2:9-11). Your work will be put through the fire and all that survives the fire will bring you reward (1 Corinthians 3:13-14).

Steps To Eliminate Frustration

Having said all of that, the following steps will help you to eliminate the frustration that results from unmet expectations:

If you will follow these 3 steps, you will start seeing the BIG picture from God’s eyes – an eternal perspective – and pretty soon your frustration with business will fade.

Keep Working

I am not at all suggesting that you stop working or that you let go of the business and just sit back and hope it gets better. You still have to keep doing the right things you were doing when things were good. I am assuming that you will continue doing the basics. Your people are depending on you.

Change Expectations

No, I am telling you to change your expectations. Match your expectations with Scripture and watch them meet with reality. The closer together your expectations come to reality, the less frustration you will have. Focus on the eternal work being done through the course of doing business and you will see real success.

How often do you experience frustration in your work?

Is frustration common in your relationships?

How can you change your expectations to match Scripture?

photo by Christian Guthier. Original post date was April 12, 2012

Change Is Necessary!

This process began near the end of last year when we finally decided it was time to make the necessary changes to our dated facility. While it is certainly still functional, it just does not accomplish our purposes any longer. For that reason, we are making a change.

As you can imagine, it will be a major inconvenience to make this progress. It does not just happen overnight. There are many ripple effects to this progress.

Ripple Effects

Customers will be inconvenienced as we have to shuttle them from the Honda service department to a waiting lounge in one of the other buildings.

There will be frustrations galore for employees and customers alike as new and used car displays will not be as easily accessible as they normally are.

Progress Not Always Welcome!

People will likely have their own opinions about whether we should be making this progress in the first place! They won’t clearly understand what we are doing and why. Some will actually feel we should have left things the way they were!

In an effort to overcome some of the confusion, we have tried to go overboard on signage. We are also coaching employees to be aware that customers may be a little confused or frustrated during the progress. It is up to us to minimize their pain!

My Own “Progress” Sign!

You know what I wish I could do?

I wish I could wear a sign around my neck that said the same thing. I wish I could do something to indicate to those around me – at work, home, and in the community – that I am a work in progress!

I Need Improvement, Too!

See, I know I am not all that I should be. I know there are certain parts of my personality and mindset that need renovating and upgrading. Just like our Honda store, there are parts of me that are not accomplishing the purpose that God has for me.

I know this and I promise that I am working on it, but too often others around me are still inconvenienced, frustrated, or confused. I say things or do things that I do not like. I think thoughts that I wish I did not.

I wish I could just walk around with that sign around my neck to let everyone know that I am aware of the needed improvement and that I am working on it.

Minimize Ripple Effects

Until then, I am just going to do the best I can at making the continuous progress that I need to make and to be aware of the ripple effects on those around me. I will continue to try to minimize their frustration with my slow progress. Hopefully, they will begin to see improvement and cut me some slack!

What we cannot do as Christian business owners and leaders is to decide against making the progress. We cannot decide that the way we are today is good enough. We cannot determine that making progress is too tough.

Progress Is Necessary

God is calling us to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus. While that is not an easy task, it is not optional for a true disciple. We must submit to the process and allow God to do His work on us.

Those around us will likely be inconvenienced, frustrated, or confused with us. Some will even think that we should not work to change, but should just stay the same as we were. While the short term may be easier if we agreed with them, the long term will not.

I encourage you to be a leader that is a work in progress. Wear the sign if you have to, but keep pushing ahead either way!

Are you a work in progress?

What areas are you struggling with the most?

Have you worked to minimize the effects on others?