Anger: A Catalyst For Your Transformational Journey
Anger is usually perceived as a negative emotion. It can cause emotional stress between the people involved. But have you ever thought of its good attributes? Why do we even get angry in the first place?
In this episode, I’d like to break down how a negative emotion like anger can become a catalyst for a positive change.
Five Steps To Transforming Anger To A Better You
Understanding the three elements of transformation - First is self awareness. Be aware of anger, take responsibility, accept it, and own it. Second, the need to self regulate. This is learning how to handle anger in the heat of the moment. And the third is self transformation. This is transforming anger into connection. Learning to set boundaries, and reconnecting with the person involved instead of breaking that connection because of anger.
Understanding that anger is complex - Anger can be bimodal. It can manifest physically or emotionally. How does anger show for you? Anger is also bi-directional. For some, getting angry means quiet, keeping the anger inward, and choosing to just absorb the anger they’re feeling. While for others, getting angry means expressing it through yelling for example, this anger is shown outward.
A split of a second can make a difference - These are expectations that suddenly turn into the opposite situation. When expectations are not met, it can trigger anger. This calls for learning to practice self-control.
Intention versus expectations versus outcome - Sometimes we start off with a good or positive intention, then our expectations aren’t met, resulting in a negative outcome. Again, we can turn anger to a more positive reaction.
Learn to mind the gap - GAP stands for Greater Awareness of Pausing. We need to understand and learn the art of pausing before responding. Pausing allows you to think for a moment, and gives you enough time to not express that anger.
Anger is a healthy catalyst that can help us transform. Anger doesn't need to be managed. It needs to be understood and transformed.