Had to settle for second best? Lost a competition, a job promotion or an auction item you really wanted? When you're done with moping it can be good to know that it is possible to love the second best thing.

Show Ads

[edit] Steps

Remember what really matters. You still have your family and friends, you still have the chance to smile again. If you count all the silver linings to your cloud, you might feel happier.
Maybe the first thing isn't all it's cracked up to be after all. Look for the flaws and things that wouldn't have been so great about it.
Look for the second best thing. It might be your existing job - give it a facelift or take a vacation and come back to it with a fresh mind. It might be your lower place in a competition that says "I still entered it at least and I am ahead of most of the human race on this one". Or, it might be an auction item you didn't put the highest bid in for; there'll be other ones just as nice. In the meantime, spend the time looking, researching and enjoying the thrill of the hunt.
Try smiling. It often helps.
Remember why you're here after all. You are a special person and you're on a journey through life. Life is precious and you are already ahead by having a chance to live it.

[edit] Tips

Don't sweat the small stuff. If getting upset, angry or frustrated about something will only make matters worse (and usually it does), let it drop. You have far more important things to be getting on with.