Why do I continue to do the thing I don’t want to do?
What is wrong with me?
I’m the only one in my way.
Why do I procrastinate, snooze the alarm, eat the food, binge Netflix, say “yes” when I committed to saying “no?”
Sometimes my clients express intense frustration with themselves, believing they are engaging in self-sabotage. I can relate—I experience this daily.
The thing is that instead of weaponizing this internal conflict against ourselves, we can recognize it as a signal of our transformation. What we think we’re worth, what we put up with, how and when we set our boundaries, what we expect, and how we handle the forces working with and against us—all these elements demonstrate our standards. Our standards are not just external measures but an inner filter of self-worth, compassion, and courage. It makes sense that we feel frustrated with ourselves and our situation when our standards change.
Embracing Frustration: A Sign of Growth
At times, frustration creeps in, leading to intense self-reflection. Questions like “Why do I keep doing the thing that I don’t want to do?” or “Why am I standing in my own way?” arise. This frustration might actually signal a clash between the old stories we believe about ourselves and the current standards we hold for ourselves, hinting at the transformation that is unfolding.
A Catalyst for Change
Rather than a sign of defeat, frustration can be seen as evidence that we are ready to break through limitations. It challenges the societal conditioning and the narratives we’ve absorbed about our past, pushing us towards our Future Selves. Each moment of frustration becomes an opportunity to choose, a stepping stone in our evolution.
Reframing Frustration
Instead of viewing frustration as a hindrance or evidence of mistakes, what if we saw it as a measurement of how much we cherish our desires, goals, values, and our next-level identity? What if it was a reminder that we are already on the way, and every instance of frustration was a courageous opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our growth? Without contrast, we would be stalled in mediocrity instead of embracing our trailblazing excellence.
Join the Journey
The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Research shows that community and accountability significantly enhance our ability to form and maintain new habits. If you’re ready to transform frustration into growth and join a community of like-minded individuals, schedule a breakthrough call to talk about how coaching can help you disrupt the frustration cycle and cultivate your uniquely powerful life today.