Frustration Overload

“Frustration, although quite painful at times, is a very positive and essential part of success.” – Bo Bennett

 We all have those moments, and I’m sure you get it when I say, sometimes it feels like healthcare is just one big game of whack-a-mole. Every time you finish one task, another one pops up in its place. And then there is the  never-ending stream of meetings, updates to the EHR, cranky patients, cranky doctors, and employees who call in sick. Meanwhile, your to-do list is growing longer by the minute. But the real kicker? You get to do it all again tomorrow. Yay, another day in paradise!

Overcoming the Impact

Frustration is a common emotion that we all experience in the workplace. It would be a pretty bad sign if we were never frustrated because it would mean that we don’t care. Frustration can be caused by a variety of factors, such as conflicting priorities, unrealistic deadlines, difficult coworkers, or lack of recognition. The problem is that when we are frustrated it can have a profound impact on our well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. But it's not a feeling that has to control us. Here are some tips for overcoming frustration in the workplace:

• Communicate openly and effectively: Good communication is key to resolving conflicts and reducing frustration. If there is a problem, try to have an open and honest conversation with the person responsible, or with your manager, to work towards finding a solution.
• Practice self-care: Taking care of your mental and physical well-being can help you better cope with the demands of the workplace. Engage in activities that you enjoy, such as exercise, reading, or spending time with friends and family.
• Focus on the positive: It's easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of a situation, but by focusing on the positive, you can reduce frustration and increase your overall job satisfaction. Try to look for the good in your work and acknowledge and celebrate your successes.
• Set realistic expectations: If you have unrealistic expectations for yourself or your work, it can lead to frustration when you are unable to meet those expectations. Try to be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given day or week and be sure to factor in time for rest and relaxation.

 Remain Calm or Whack-A-Mole

I want to build a life-size whack-a-mole game and choose nine lucky people to be in it," Donald Duck. 

Leaning into your good emotional intelligence skills is essential when you are frustrated. Leaders with a high EI recognize the need to remain calm and proactive when they are frustrated. While it may be easier to shout or complain, the EI leader takes a time out and follows-up with an ask instead of an accusation. Instead of listing off everything that made you mad, turn it around and ask a question like,  “How can we prevent these misunderstandings from happening again?”

By identifying the source of frustration, communicating openly and effectively, practicing self-care, focusing on the positive, setting realistic expectations, and seeking support, you can improve your job satisfaction and overall well-being. And if that doesn’t work, head to the arcade (are those still a thing!) and whack a few moles.