Looking ahead triggers desire and ambition while looking at how far you’ve come triggers happiness and contentment.
The feelings around looking ahead can change markedly depending on when you’re looking ahead. If you are experiencing one of those rare moments when you feel completely in control, looking ahead can be fun as it’s full of dreams and possibilities. However, if you are experiencing some frustration at the current situation, looking ahead can be a source of irritation and frustration.
“This still hasn’t worked out. Will it?”
”I’m at a loss for what needs to be done for me to get to…..”
It’s tempting to avoid confronting the frustration altogether and it seems at odds with the purpose of the “looking ahead” exercise. I’ve learnt 2 things over time though.
First, our mind is more than capable of holding multiple conflicting ideas at once. As long as we’re open to the idea of doing so, our mind will go with the plan. We control the mind. So, it is perfectly possible to hold feelings of ambition along with more painful feelings of irritation and frustration.
Second, this tension of conflicting thoughts is a source of action and growth. It’s similar to the tension between finance and operations, sales and marketing, and design and engineering in great companies. They hold conflicting ideas but, if managed well, it leads to better end products. The irritation we hold helps spur action and the ability to entertain 2 conflicting thoughts helps give us perspective.
Life isn’t a joy ride. Irritation and frustration in moderation are important. We just have to remember that we don’t have to be consumed by them.
We choose.
A Learning a Day 