More on emotions

As you may be able to tell from my postings, I am big on telling stories and big on controlling your emotions.   My reason for doing so is that I have seen countless examples where people have said or done things “in the moment” that they wish they could take back. In many cases, the outcome was career limiting, if not fatal.

Boxing

I was watching boxing on TV one Saturday with my Dad as a young teen.  That was a treat back then because it didn’t happen very often and there was no pay per view (or Don King!). The match was going along swimmingly for one boxer, when his opponent suddenly hauled off and hit him with a low blow.  It looked intentional and hurts me now just to recount it.  I honestly wince as I play back that cheap shot in my mind.

After the affected boxer got his wind back, and his testicles descended back into their original anatomical position, the fight resumed. But something had changed. The boxer who’d been wronged no longer boxed.  He came out throwing these hay maker punches all the while leaving himself defenseless. The other boxer easily avoided the punches and counter punched with stiff jabs to the chin and body.  He started winning easily.  I asked my Dad “What’s going on? What is he doing? He was winning!!”   My Dad smiled and said “He’s angry.  He wants revenge.”

Revenge is mine said the Lord

I was shocked.  Didn’t he see what he was doing to himself? He was losing.  Another minute went by and the evil boxer knocked out our hero.   A devastating right hook to the chin, and he never saw it coming. …..8, 9, 10 you’re out.

Stay in Control

It is of paramount importance to control your emotions in work and in life. Don’t take compliments or criticism personally or too seriously. Don’t become emotionally invested in projects, decisions, or outcomes or you may just suffer the fate of our hero when you drop your guard after being kicked in the stones. Getting kicked does hurt, but getting knocked out hurts more.

Don’t drop your guard.

Let me know what you think!!