(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
There can be a fine line between being merely disappointed and being discouraged. When you re disappointed you re unhappy because something you hoped for or expected didn t happen. That s not fun, but it s not the end of life as we know it.
Discouraged can go quite a bit deeper than that. In this you may feel rejected, dejected, disheartened, or dismayed. While disappointed is “oh darn,” discouraged can be “what s the use.”
Coaching Point: Disappointment happens. Who helps you when you get discouraged?
Copyright 2005 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.