Frustration: Friend or Foe?

Frustration—it’s a tricky little emotion, isn’t it? It shows up uninvited, usually at the worst possible moment. But here’s the thing: frustration isn’t the villain we make it out to be. It’s more like a flashing neon sign, pointing out a problem that demands attention. The real challenge isn’t avoiding frustration; it’s learning to work with it.

Think about the last time you felt stuck. Maybe it was a project that refused to click or a client who kept moving the goalposts. That tight, restless feeling? That’s frustration trying to tell you something. Instead of fighting it, what if you leaned in and asked, What’s the lesson here? Sometimes, frustration is the push you need to rethink a process, spark creativity, or even identify the gaps in your own approach.

For your team, it’s no different. Frustration, when ignored, festers. But when acknowledged? It becomes a shared experience—and maybe even a springboard. Create space for your team to vent constructively. Ask open-ended questions like, What’s holding us back? or How can we tackle this together?

Tools? Start with perspective. View frustration as feedback, not failure. Then add a dash of humor—it’s hard to stay stuck when you can laugh at the absurdity of it all. Finally, set small, winnable goals to regain momentum.

Frustration isn’t the end. It’s a signal to recalibrate, rethink, and ultimately, grow.

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Mitch Jackson | links