Win Some, Lose Some – How to Handle Disappointment

Win Some, Lose Some - How to Handle Disappointment

When something doesn’t go your way, you’ve probably heard your parents say “Well, that’s life!” Yes, it’s true that life is full of ups and downs, but failure — whether in sports, school or relationships — can be really tough to take. What is important, however, is how you choose to turn these disappointments into life lessons.

Depending on what exactly is getting you down, the recovery time will vary. You might get over losing a game by the end of the day, but losing the championship may take several days. How a person chooses to deal with letdowns also varies by their personality. Some get angry, slam doors and make it their mission to make everyone else as miserable as they are. Others will push friends and family away by hiding out in their rooms because they are so sad.

The next time you face a disappointment, try these suggestions to rebound more quickly:

1. Ask yourself, “How did my behavior impact the outcome of this situation?” Be honest. Is there anything you can change that will help prevent this situation from happening in the future?

2. When a challenge arises, step back and see it for what it is. Look for the opportunity within the challenge. Sometimes the opportunity is simply the experience you gain from getting through it.

3. Don’t let a problem become your life. If you are feeling deep sadness that doesn’t go away, talk to your parents or a teacher about your feelings. It could be something more serious, like depression.

4. When faced with a problem, move into action and create a plan for how you will overcome it. 5. Believe in yourself and remind yourself of all your good qualities.