10 Ways to Climb Out of Discouragement
Encouragement matters because discouragement is real. Dark feelings give power to joy.
“Discouragement and failure are two of the surest steppingstones to success.” Dale Carnegie
10 ways to climb out of discouragement:
- You’re not the only one. Ask trusted friends how they encourage themselves. The old saying is true, “Misery loves company.”
- Distance is temporary relief. Get out. Get away. Change a routine.
- Rest, but don’t lay in bed until you morph into a slug.
- Take a slow walk to nowhere. People don’t know how to walk anymore. Real walking isn’t about the destination.
- Give what you want. Lift someone. Be kind to others. Hold the door open. Smile at people. Say thank you often and loudly.
- Finish something you’ve been putting off.
- Don’t expect your pound of flesh. Forgive. Release anger. Just draw a line and start fresh with people.
- Hang with generous people. Avoid leeches.
- Evaluate yourself. Use discouragement as motivation to reflect. What would you like to do differently? Act your way into feeling. Don’t feel your way into acting.
- Record what you’re learning about yourself. Negative experiences change us for the better when we learn from them.
Bonus: Pray. A friend of mine has started saying the Lord’s Prayer in the morning.
Don’t:
- Don’t beat yourself down because you feel discouraged.
- Don’t wait for others to encourage you. Encourage yourself.
What do you do to encourage yourself?
How do you encourage others?
21 Ways to Overcome Personal Discouragement
Smoldering coals, almost extinguished, need to be put back into the fire. This is what I’ve found. When alone, I’m more apt to fall into self-pity and be vulnerable to discouragement (which I’ve found is the evil one’s main form of attack against me). I need to get around others who are NOT discouraged. My own fire then revives as I’m with others who are on fire themselves. So thank you for stoking my fire throughout 2024! Happy New Year, Dan.
Happy New Year, Pete. I’m glad your emphasizing connections. On one hand we are responsible for ourselves. One way to take responsibility is to invite the appropriate people into our lives. Being alone – as a pattern of life – is harmful.
Excellent article and excellent points! In reference to drawing the line – draw the line and leave toxic people and relationships BEHIND the line. Forgive them, but move forward and start relationships with people who are positive and achieving their goals.
1. Dissect why you are discouraged. Try to pinpoint the cause. then problem-solve.
2. Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities.
3. When you’re not making progress, seek advice from a new coach or colleague.
4. Find the energy and excitement in your vision to get you moving.
5. Let go of the negative emotions that surround your discouragement.
6. Separate what you can control from what’s beyond your control.
7. Do a fun activity.
Thanks Paul. My two favorites on your list are, reframe setbacks. Life changes when we show up to learn. The other is, have some fun. Sometimes life looks better after a taking break.
It seems like we don’t take vacations any more. We are always working in some capacity even when we are on vacation. Completely unplugging from work for a few days can reduce discouragement and give us a whole new start when we come back. If we can’t leave for 5-9 days, we have not done a good job of growing our people.
Thanks Patrick. You bring up an important reality. We keep hearing promises that technology will give us more free time. It seems like it’s the opposite.
It takes humility to acknowledge life goes on without us. Yes, we play an important role when we are here. Humility allows us to relax. Arrogance is a heavy weight to carry.