One of the unavoidable parts of growing up is learning to deal with disappointment. We all have hopes, dreams, and goals we set for ourselves, some of which don’t come true. The realization that we’re not going to get what we want or need is an awful feeling.
Disappointment can be anything from a minor annoyance to a soul-crushing sadness. At its worst, it can take days, weeks, or even longer to recover from. But there’s good news. Disappointment is part of the human condition, and many wise people have grappled with it over the centuries.
Their wisdom and empathy can help us deal with disappointment in our own lives, as these 12 inspirational quotes can attest:
Disappointment is the nurse of wisdom.” – Sir Bayle Roche
This quote lets us know that while disappointment can be painful, there’s also an upside. Mistakes and setbacks can give us valuable lessons about how life works. If you meet a person full of wisdom, that person has almost certainly dealt with disappointments that helped them develop deep wisdom.
“One’s best success comes after their greatest disappointments.” – Henry Ward Beecher
While it’s natural to look on the downside after a setback, this quote reminds us that most successful people have first hard to reckon with some hard knocks in life. The disappointments of today can transform into the successes of tomorrow.
“If I am to meet with a disappointment, the sooner I know it, the more of life I shall have to wear it off.” – Thomas Jefferson
The words of Jefferson give us a way to frame our unhappiness. Sometimes, it’s best to realistically deal with a situation so that we have more time to move on and live our best lives going forward. In a lot of ways, it’s better to be disappointed and then be able to move on than to linger in uncertainty.
“We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment.” – Jim Rohn
This quote can put the feeling of being disappointed in perspective. After all, the only surefire way to never feel disappointed is to never hope, never make ambitious plans, never have goals and dreams. By living and striving, sometimes disappointment is the price we pay. But it’s worth it for the joy and success we encounter.
“Disappointment is really just a term for our refusal to look on the bright side.” – Richelle E. Goodrich
This quote points out that the way we often look at a situation isn’t the only way to see things. While we may focus on what we didn’t get or don’t have, we might miss out on the positives of a disappointing outcome. When we feel disappointment, it’s possible we can snap ourselves out of it by considering the good in our lives.
“Disappointment is just the action of your brain readjusting itself to reality after discovering things are not the way you thought they were.” – Brad Warner
Some people prefer a pragmatic approach to dealing with disappointment. This quote is perfect for that type of approach, pointing out that sometimes disappointment can be informative. In being disappointed, we might simply realize that our world isn’t quite what we had thought, and now we’re more knowledgeable.
“The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire, the size of your dream, and how you handle disappointment along the way.” – Robert Kiyosaki
If you’re a goal-oriented person, this quote can remind you that it’s important to channel your frustration, anger, and sadness into determination. Dealing effectively with disappointments while keeping your focus on your dreams and goals can lead you to success.
“Most things disappoint till you look deeper.” – Graham Greene
This introspective quote points out that what lies on the surface isn’t always what’s most important. If you’re feeling disappointed, perhaps you can inspire yourself by thinking more deeply about your situation. It may be that what first seemed like a setback was actually a new opportunity.
“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” – Marilyn Monroe
When your life seems bleak, it’s good to remember that the end of something is the beginning of a new thing. And it’s possible, even probable, that what comes after is even better than what you may have lost.
“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” – Buddha
Sometimes it’s almost impossible not to be dragged down by frustration and anger. This quote reminds us that those feelings only damage us. Still, they don’t fix anything or have a positive impact on our lives. Letting go of disappointments isn’t only a good idea, it’s also healthy for us.
“Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.” – Eliza Tabor
This quote reminds us that we’re stronger than we may think and feel we are at times. We can use our feelings of discouragement and sadness to rededicate ourselves. If we never want to feel this way again, we can resolve to do everything in our power not to let it happen.
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
These beautiful words remind us that, in the end, our capacity to keep hoping and dreaming give our lives meaning. Setbacks will occur along the way, but if we keep striving for a better future, we can find happiness and success.
Final Thoughts on Coping With Disappointment
Learning how to deal with disappointment is a lifelong process. It starts with an understanding that this, too, shall pass. We can move forward knowing that sometimes a disappointing situation is a clean break. It is a chance to move onto something better.
There’s no perfect formula for how to deal with disappointment. The collective wisdom of others who have gone through and triumphed over disappointments can help us find our way.
