Frustrating processes are part of professional life. Whether it’s endless paperwork, rigid systems, or clunky technology, many of the things that drain our energy sit outside our control. Yet they must be managed if we want to support the people with whom we work, behave ethically, and keep services functioning and everything running smoothly.

The challenge is that these frustrations can easily sap energy, erode patience, and leave us feeling powerless. This is where leading ourselves well becomes important. It allows us to stay centred, protect our energy, and choose how we respond rather than being driven by frustration. While we may not be able to change the system, we can strengthen our own responses – safeguarding both our wellbeing and the quality of care we deliver.

Practical Ways to Build Frustration Tolerance

Anchor in your values
Reconnect with the “why” behind the frustrating task. Remind yourself who benefits when the process is completed properly – including your colleagues, or your future self.
Shift focus to what is within your control
Notice what you can influence, even if small e.g. your mindset, preparation, the way you structure time, or how you ask for support.
Use micro-breaks wisely
When frustration rises, pause. A few minutes of stretching, breathing, or stepping away can reset your nervous system and stop spirals of irritation.
Turn challenges into opportunities
See each challenge as an opportunity to strengthen patience and adaptability. These are core muscles of resilience.
Streamline what you can
Develop checklists, templates, or workflows to reduce repeated effort. Even small efficiencies lower the emotional load.
Seek perspective and support
Talk it through with a trusted colleague or friend. Sometimes simply having your experience acknowledged lightens the load.

Frustrating processes will always be part of our work, so the need to build frustration tolerance will be ever-present. But how we limit them from draining our spirit and instead use them as reminders of our strength, persistence, and commitment to the work that matters is up to us.

Further Insight

If you want to hear more strategies to stay grounded, take initiative, and lead from within, join me at my FREE WEBINAR - Why do we need Self-Leadership now - Navigating change with clarity and confidence on 4pm, Monday 6 October. For more details and to register see here.

You can also join my Thriving Sustainably workshop on 8 December where we will explore practical ways to protect your emotional energy and stay well while continuing to do meaningful work.

If you are a woman working in health care, you can take part in my Self-Leadership: Women in Health program on 1 December 2025.

If you would like to build self-leadership skills in a structured and supported way, contact me to discuss how I can support you and your team.