Dealing with Disappointment
I’ve been struggling this week with disappointment. One of the shows that I had been working on all year has not turned out as I had imagined. This is not something new to me, as there have been many times over the years where this has occurred. But it’s more difficult when it’s a show that I was particularly excited about.
I have written before that it’s a miracle when a show really works in every way. There are so many factors that can influence the outcome of any production, that it’s unusual if something does NOT derail a show. Egos, personalities, the weather, world events, unexpected braces on a trumpet soloist….the list could go on and on. Shows almost always turn out okay, but the very special show that we imagine in our head for months often does not turn out exactly as hoped.
Even though this has happened before, and I know this is part of the life of a show designer, it’s still always difficult to come to terms with. I have learned enough to know that it’s important to simply let myself feel the emotions. There have been times in the past when I would cover the true emotion with anger or some other “easier” thing to feel. So I am working to allow myself to just feel the disappointment and move through it.
When you find yourself in one of these times when your hard work and passion are not rewarded with a completely satisfying outcome, I hope you will find someone to talk it out, and allow yourself the self-care you need. For me, I’ll be in a warm bath reading some Dickens and I’ll get through it okay. I’ll also likely be doing some baking. Find your own version of self-care and give yourself permission to take advantage of it. Work it out in the gym, go for a hike, talk with a friend, play that game of tennis, or bake your favorite cake!
Every creative endeavor does not always work out as hoped. But we move through the emotions and try again the next time. It’s part of life, how it all works, and I’ll be okay.
Tim Hinton
September 19, 2024
