The conversation that seemed to help the most, was the one that explored the question, what causes you to be frustrated. It appeared to be the unresolved problems in the work he was doing. This naturally led us to talk about the gap between what he saw as possible and the current reality. This is where we got into the conversation as to what he was committed to – which he described as ‘no one getting hurt, and even more than that, every one of his organisation’s employees being healthier as a result of working for the company’. This was the real source of his frustration, his commitment.

Without commitment, there would be no frustration.

So given this, we were both able to see his frustration, which currently was showing up in negative ways, as a direct and positive consequence of the commitments he held. We reflected on the fact that we both wanted to share this, as there are probably many others, particularly in the world of safety who feel this frustration, and by reframing it in this way, may find new energy and ways to proceed.

When you deeply connect with your commitments, the things you believe and the world you want to bring into existence, the frustration with this gap that exists between where you currently are and your commitment is inevitable.

If you don’t want to be frustrated, don’t make any commitments! In some ways, the more frustrated you may feel, the bigger your commitment is…