If you're not frustrated, then you're not working on the right problem

In my coaching, many of my conversations begin with a source of frustration by the individual. The source of frustration could be rooted in another person, or a team problem, or in their own abilities. But nonetheless, the frustration is there. This is a good thing. The philosophy that I’ve embraced is…

If you’re not frustrated, then you’re not working on the right problem.

Change is hard, particularly good change. It doesn’t come easy. It may require discipline, or sacrifice, or extra energy, or compromise. If the change was easy, then it likely would have happened already. Unfortunately, this is an unavoidable problem. That doesn’t mean, however, that we should let our frustrations consume us, or even distract us.

Instead, embrace that frustration, with honor. It is a sign you are working on the right problem. It is a sign of progress. It is a source of focus.

How do you use frustration to your advantage?

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Jamie Flinchbaugh is co-founder of the Lean Learning Center, and co-author of the book The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Lean: Lessons from the Road. You can find his blog at www.JamieFlinchbaugh.com.