Dealing with the Frustrations
by Viviana Guzman
Described by The New York Times as “An Imaginative Artist” Juilliard trained Viviana Guzman has a GRAMMY Nominated Album, is a TEDxSpeaker & has toured 136 countries. Has been on CNN, ABC, NBC, FOX, with 3 million views on her YouTube Channel, Viviana is the Founder San Francisco Flute Society, Flutes by the Sea Masterclasses, Co-Founder The Flute View and teaches at University of California Santa Cruz.
Students sometimes approach me and ask what is the best way of handling frustrations. Dealing with the frustrations and seeming limitations of a career in music can be challenging, but there are several constructive ways to navigate through them. Here are some strategies you can employ:
Self-reflection
Take time to reflect on your career goals, values, and aspirations. Assess whether your frustrations are stemming from a misalignment between your expectations and reality. Identify areas where you feel dissatisfied or unfulfilled and determine what changes you desire.
Seek support
Reach out to trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends who can provide guidance and support. Discuss your frustrations openly and seek their perspective on potential solutions or alternative approaches. Sometimes, an outside viewpoint can offer valuable insights.
Set realistic expectations
Reevaluate your expectations and ensure they align with the current state of your career. Recognize that progress takes time and setbacks are a natural part of professional growth. Set achievable short-term goals that can lead to long-term success.
Skill development
Identify areas where you feel lacking or unfulfilled in your current role. Invest time and effort in developing new skills or enhancing existing ones. This can improve your performance, increase job satisfaction, and open up new opportunities.
Network and expand connections
Attend industry events, join professional organizations, or participate in online communities related to your field. Building a strong professional network can provide access to new opportunities, mentorship, and support, which may alleviate career frustrations.
Seek new challenges
If you feel stuck in your current role or find it unfulfilling, explore opportunities for growth within your organization or consider a career change. Look for projects, tasks, or responsibilities that align with your interests and can provide a sense of purpose and progress.
Take breaks and practice self-care
Career frustrations can be draining, so it's essential to prioritize self-care. Take breaks, engage in activities you enjoy, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and practice stress management techniques. Taking care of your well-being can improve your overall perspective and resilience.
Seek feedback and continuous improvement
Actively seek feedback from your supervisors, colleagues, or mentors to gain insights into areas where you can improve. Embrace a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. By continuously improving yourself, you can overcome frustrations and achieve career advancement.
Consider professional development opportunities
Look for workshops, courses, or certifications that can enhance your knowledge and skills. Engaging in continuous learning can provide a sense of progress and help you stay competitive in your field.
Explore alternative paths
If your frustrations persist despite efforts to address them, consider exploring alternative career paths. This might involve a different industry, entrepreneurship, freelancing, or even further education. Sometimes, a fresh start can lead to greater fulfillment and professional satisfaction.
Remember that dealing with career frustrations is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Be patient with yourself, maintain a positive mindset, and embrace the process of growth and self-discovery.