Disappointment: Don't be on the giving end.

I have recently learned that no advantage comes from getting angry because of other people disappointing you. Disappointment is such a terrible feeling as it is, so adding anger and frustration behind it only makes the matter worse. Besides, when someone knows they disappointed you, you can rest assured that they experience one the most devastating feelings our human nature has to offer... a sense of inadequacy or worthlessness (unless that person is so blind to his own actions that he doesn't even realize that he has fallen short of any expectation placed on him).

For me, I strive to go above and beyond my call of duty in whatever is asked of me. I want things to be done to the best of my ability or above my ability. I have disappointed my fair share of individuals, and I never want to feel inadequate again (though I'm sure I will). In helping others, I want to do everything I can to make their life easier. I want them to trust that when they call on me for something, they are going to get more than than a "valiant try;" they are going to get "exceeding success." I have claimed Ecclesiastes 9:10: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."

This is why I cannot understand the mindset of those who consistently fail at simple tasks. Do they not feel the shame of disappointing others? That in itself should be enough to prod us to want to increase our efforts. I guess that's why I'd rather be the one disappointed as opposed to being the one disappointing.

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