One thing I've found really helpful over the years is being completely honest with myself regarding my strengths and limitations, and then being modest regarding how quickly I can make improvements. In college, I was a Division I track athlete. The development adventure, supported by some amazing coaches, was a thrilling adventure. However, I found that sometimes there was frustration. Nine times out of 10, this frustration was due to the fact that I was immodest when it came to my development expectations. I wanted to be faster right away, or jump higher or farther instantly. I thought with the right amount of effort, that was possible. I was wrong.
Eventually, I figured out that the best way to go about the journey was to set modest goals and rejoice whenever they were achieved. That resulted in many small "thrills" every time I reached a goal.
I've adopted this approach in the rest of my life as well. For instance, when I was building a house for my wife and I, I didn't wait to celebrate the completion of the house. I celebrated the completion of the framing, the siding, the drywall, etc. It made the whole experience more joyful.
And, then, when I experienced a failure, I never blamed it on someone else. I took complete responsibility with all honesty. That kept me grounded in reality, instead of a world of defensive deflection. That has also helped in other areas of life because even though you have to humbly admit your errors, you also get to take complete ownership of the successes--while still giving credit to those who helped you.
Eventually, I figured out that the best way to go about the journey was to set modest goals and rejoice whenever they were achieved. That resulted in many small "thrills" every time I reached a goal.
I've adopted this approach in the rest of my life as well. For instance, when I was building a house for my wife and I, I didn't wait to celebrate the completion of the house. I celebrated the completion of the framing, the siding, the drywall, etc. It made the whole experience more joyful.
And, then, when I experienced a failure, I never blamed it on someone else. I took complete responsibility with all honesty. That kept me grounded in reality, instead of a world of defensive deflection. That has also helped in other areas of life because even though you have to humbly admit your errors, you also get to take complete ownership of the successes--while still giving credit to those who helped you.