Have you competed and the outcome was not what you expected? Did you find yourself upset because you didn't receive a placement or call out you anticipated? In this episode @glamgirlbikini coaches @chrisnicole_ifbbpro and @amyehinger talk about the ups and downs of the competition world and how to best deal with disappointment. You can find us on Instagram @preplifepodcast and apply for the team here: https://www.glamgirlbikini.com/get-started/ 

Here are 5 ways to deal with disappointment

Those “perks” of disappointment — showing up for something, growing, and becoming stronger through adversity — occur when you know how to deal with disappointment. 

Follow this five-step plan for transforming disappointments into wins.

1. Let it out

Whether it's disappointment or anger, you need to feel it and let it out. A healthy way to do this is to confide in your friends, family, or even a therapist. You could channel this kind of tough emotion into a creative outlet, such as writing in a journal or do something physical like taking a long run.

The point is to feel whatever you’re feeling and allow it to pass.  

Research has shown that emotional suppression can hinder our personal growth. Without the ability to feel emotions and actively express them, you have trouble adapting to new and unfamiliar situations. 

2. Get perspective

Communication with friends and family about your disappointing situation can help bring some much-needed clarity. When you get an outside perspective other than your own, you can begin to see things for what they really are, rather than how you feel about them. 

3. Know your own heart

Of course, you have to balance that external validation with your own inner wisdom. 

The problem with emotions like disappointment is that it can completely derail our visions of ourselves. We can start to doubt. Our sense of self can become skewed when too many disappointments stack up. 

That’s why it’s so important to know your own core values and principles before you embark on any goal. Better yet, do yourself a favor and examine your “Why’s.” 

Keeping these “why’s” alive will help you get up and try again while keeping your self-worth intact.  

4. Practice self-acceptance

Once you’ve checked in with yourself and your supporters, it’s easier to accept where you are as the right starting point for a fresh start. 

Part of practicing self-acceptance is to continually root yourself in the "now."

5. Don’t let it fester

The worst thing you can do is brood over negative experiences. 

Again, the variable here is time. You certainly don’t have to “bounce back” from a disappointment before you’ve done all the previous steps.