Ok, so I had my first emotional interaction with a frustrated end user today. She has a valid frustration, but I could not give her a time frame for completion because I hadn't solved this type of issue before. She kept asking for a time frame and kept telling her I didn't know. She got frustrated and told me she was frustrated. I told her I was well aware of her frustration, but I just needed her to let me do my job. I would not be working on another project until this one was finished, so it would be finished as soon as possible.

Quite emotional. I was surprised how much I was reacting. My voice was quavering and I was on the verge of tears. I just wanted to cry, but I stayed as focused as possible and tried to talk out the details with her. Goodness gracious.

So, "People Pleasing" bit me in the butt today. This is the ugly side of feeding this addiction. When I realized I couldn't please her, I wanted to turn on her and push her and the whole mess aside. I'm learning to serve her even when it is not pleasing to do so. I don't want to live in bondage to a "people pleasing" spirit.

So, I'm looking for practical steps and tips on how to respond when I cannot complete a task to the client's satisfaction. I cannot change the way things are, but I can change my attitude. I want to have a confident attitude and posture toward the client. How can I learn to be reassuring? Maybe seeing things from her perspective and understanding her frustration is valid AND I don't have to freak out about it. I took her frustration personally and didn't stay focused on serving her needs confidently and patiently.

I reject any poor attitude or unhealthy perspective. I want to be free! I sincerely want to learn how to meet her needs the best way I can and not feel guilty or inadequate if my best is not up to his or her expectations. I'm amazing!! (Glory to God, lol)