Dealing with Disillusionment

Have you ever been disillusioned?

Sometimes things do not turn out as we expected. Despite our best efforts and most noble intentions, sometimes the outcome simply does not match our expectations.

I've worked on projects that lasted longer than they should have and produced less than we planned. Disillusionment could have easily set in.

There have been people in my life who surprised me and disappointed me. Was that their fault or mine? Does it matter? Disillusionment could have taken over, but didn't.

Set-backs are no cause for surrender.

Centered leaders deal with disillusionment with quiet confidence and patience.

It's the long view. It's knowing your sense of mission and purpose. It's staying clear on the course ahead no matter how hard the wind blows.

As many a sports coach has yelled with all good intentions, "brush yourself off and get back in there." It may not be that simple, but sometimes it is.

Show up. Be true to yourself. Find all the clarity, courage, creativity and compassion you need from the character you've already developed, and move forward.

I like to treat disillusionment like a sad movie. Enjoy the cry, talk it over with a loving friend, and then look forward to the next adventure.

It's worth a try, isn't it?

-- Douglas Brent Smith

Front Range Leadership

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