Let anger be a powerful motivator

Anger is often seen as a negative reaction. Yet it is a normal human emotion that can be a vehicle for expressing hurt and fear. However left untamed, it can have negative consequences on your relationships and quality of life. So, let’s look at ways to control it and channel your anger in a way that help you be more productive.

Who hasn’t been triggered to react angrily to some unforeseen situation? Perhaps its thoughtless words from your partner, property damage from energetic play or being ignored when you repeatedly told your child to do something.

Start by noticing that you feel angry. Tell yourself it’s okay to be angry. Tap into the physical signals that have been activated automatically to this perceived threat to self. You may feel hot, elevated heart rate, muscle tension or teeth clenched.

Here’s where the shift comes in. Instead of letting it run its angry course towards the triggering event, re direct it into something productive like cleaning or exercise it out. in milder cases a few deep breaths may be enough to halt the fight response. Once the adrenaline passes, it allows you to review the trigger from a broader perspective.

Once to feel calmer, use the energy to give feedback assertively. This allows your anger to serve as a powerful motivator towards addressing conflict. From a cool head space, you’re more likely to choose words and non-verbal communication that can be heard by the other party. When we react from a defensive place the message is almost always lost in translation.

If the first attempt fails, take a breather and come back to it when you feel ready. That way it can be your ally and not your enemy.