Have you ever been frustrated while on your journey toward your goal? Sometimes (most of the time) journeys are not a straight shot. You do that one-step-forward-and-a-few-steps-backward dance. It. Is. Frustrating. When frustration happens, the pleasure of your dream/goal evaporates in the struggle.
Don’t despair. Don't give yourself a hard time if you are feeling down. You don’t have to be happy all the time, and it’s not realistic to think that you will be.
Strive for joy over happiness, which is temporary, but joy lasts forever. Happiness is derived from material things or events. But joy is something apart from happiness. Joy is from God. Got it?
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Ask the Lord for wisdom. His wisdom will help you navigate through your frustrations. Rest in His timing for your success. Learn what you must, and keep moving forward.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17
It’s okay to get down, but not to stay down. You don't have to pretend everything is wonderful when you're feeling disappointed. BUT you owe it to yourself and those around you to pull yourself together and shake off the frustration. (*I'm not discussing clinical depression. You'll need to seek professional help for that.)
Here are some tactics you can take to help you get back on track:
Keep your eyes on Jesus. Remember when Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus? He was doing fine until he let his attention wander to the circumstances surrounding him, which was a stormy night and heavy waves. Gaze at Jesus and only glance at your circumstances. It’s easier to move forward that way. Check out Matthew 14:22-13 for the story.
Enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life. It's okay to still enjoy life if you haven't reached your goal. There are wonderful people to enjoy and pleasures to discover.
So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24
So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Enjoy your work. Truly, try to relax, and do what you're supposed to do. Work as an act of obedience and worship. Do the best you can.
Whatever you do, do well. Ecclesiastes 9:10a
Be happy, it’s your choice. Yes, you can act happy, smile, and be pleasant. And, if you do that, chances are you will be happier.
So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. Ecclesiastes 3:12
The bottom life is to get yourself together and get on with life. Don't give up. Keep pressing on. If you need a break, take one. You can move past feelings of frustration.