Should You Prepare for Disappointment?
Waiting for big news is extremely hard. Whether it’s a job interview or a grad school application, or yes, even election results, it can be hard to avoid contemplating the worst possible outcome. So, how should you prepare for these pivotal moments? Start by asking yourself if you’ve done all you can to affect the outcome. If not, worrying can compel you to take meaningful action toward your goal. But if there’s nothing left to do, then worrying won’t help much. At that point, you might think through what you’ll do in the worst-case scenario and gather whatever resources you need, such as social support, to make it through. But you don’t have to dwell on the negative: It’s okay to hope too. As long as you temper your confidence, a dose of optimism can help lighten your mood. Once you’ve done everything you can to prepare, distract yourself. Whether it’s a silly movie, or a long run, or practicing mindfulness, sometimes distraction is the best medicine.
“How to Brace Yourself for Disappointment,” by Amy Gallo