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Have there been disappointments in your career?

My son was recently in the high school musical production of Beauty and the Beast. Several girls auditioned for the part of Belle - the main character - one of which was a senior. She's worked hard for four years, been in every production, helped out before being asked, has set a good example for others, she's beautiful, she's talented and she looked forward to playing the part of Belle. Nay, she expected to play the part. So did those close to her.

But alas, at audition time a sophomore tried out as well. My son was at auditions, he was also trying for a part in the play.

He observed that although the senior was on pitch and sang beautifully, the sophomore WAS Belle.

Sure enough when the results were posted the younger girl, the girl who hadn't yet paid her dues or proven herself in the eyes of others, won the coveted role of Belle.

Often in our careers we work hard, put ourselves out there day after day and yet continually get passed over for recognition, prime projects and promotions.

Why is that?

Are we SO visible that we become INVISIBLE? Or perhaps are we just not a good fit?

This past weekend the play was performed and the girl cast in the role of Belle gave a flawless performance to sold out audiences each night.

And the senior? She was cast in a supporting role and made that role HER - she owned it and consequently did a memorable performance that audience members commented on. She was perfection.

The director knew what she was doing. She put the right people in the right places so they could be successful.

The senior shook off her disappointment and found a way to excel in the role she was given.

We can learn from these young kids. Belle could have let the experience go to her head and thrown it up in the other's face. The senior could have stalked off and boycotted the event, bad mouthing her competition - but both were above that.

I applaud them both on so many levels.

So how do you handle disappointment? You worked hard and were passed over AGAIN. Do you mumble and grumble and just keep on working, your negative attitude permeating those around you? Do you ask WHY? Or do you look in the mirror and say - how can I make the most of the situation so that I don't get over looked next time? How can I make what I'm doing right this minute, important and worthwhile?

It's a matter of attitude. What attitude do you have? Check out this article on handling disappointment in the workplace.

Deborah Chaddock Brown
Professional Writer, Princess of Positive Thinking
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