These days as I watch the news, I feel angry. I am mad about the AIG bonus scandal, Bernie Madoff and a host of other irresponsible behaviors and injustices.
I used to feel sad when various stories were reported. These days it is a different emotional energy.
When we get angry we tend to react rather than respond. The former seems less proactive and thought out.
Here is a simple process to help manage anger in any situation. Ask these questions:
- What am I angry about?
- What do I want?
- How do I get it?
Anger often stems from unmet expectations. Answering these questions will help you determine what is really happening and how you can accomplish what you want. It will help you to become proactive and focused.
We cannot control what happens in the news or in our own world. Some events will make us angry. What we can choose is how we respond to them.