Use That Rage to Get Engaged
February 10th, 2009 by Michael Kwan
About a week ago, I was approached by a fellow freelance writer who had a question. He asked me how he could “be productive with anger issues.” Anger is a normal human emotion, but it’s probably not the best emotion to use while you are trying to work.
The solution, for better or for worse, has very little to do with getting to the chopper or explaining that it’s not a tumor, but there are ways for you to use that anger in a positive way. In short, it is possible to use that rage to get engaged.
Translate Anger into Passion
If you want to be successful in your business, you need to be passionate about it. Your career has to be more than just a job to you. Take a look at someone like Gordon Ramsay. He may come off as a very angry individual, cussing at every opportunity that he gets, but this is largely because he is so passionate about cooking and good food. He’s mad, because he cares. The same can be said about Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer. He’s been known to get pretty “enthusiastic” during his keynotes and press conferences. That’s because he cares.
Both of these individuals have been able to focus their natural anger issues into something more productive. It’s because they care so much that they are good at what they do. A great way to find that kind of focus is to listen to music. Use music with energy, like “Eye of the Tiger,” and you could be the next Rocky… so to speak.
Channel Rage to Good Humour
One thing that we can learn from the Dog Whisperer is that the cause and solution need not be related. It doesn’t matter how you came to be angry, per se, because you can overcome that rage with a more pleasant human experience: laughter. Some people may not like his brand of comedy, but Lewis Black is easily one of the best “rage comics” on the planet today. He’s always angry about something, but this makes for some great comedy for us. Humour is incredibly powerful. Laugh it off and get back to work. Life doesn’t need to be so serious.
Take a Chill Pill, Pal
When you are suffering from a headache, it can seem like the whole world is throbbing down upon you. You could flip out like Michael Cera at just about anyone over the smallest and most insignificant of issues. This is obviously not the right way to turn that anger into productivity. You want to get that rage out of your system in a positive way.
Sometimes, the best way to turn anger issues into productivity is to take a break. Remove yourself from the situation that is feeding into that rage and cool off. Go for a walk around the neighborhood. Head to the coffee shop for a cup of java. Hit the gym and burn off that energy. Having passed that state of uncontrollable rage, you can return to your computer with renewed vigour and a fresh perspective.
We All Get Mad Sometimes
There’s nothing wrong with getting angry from time to time. It’s much better to express those emotions than to bottle them up, but you want to express them in such a way as to minimize damage to others (and yourself). Channel that energy in a positive way, converting the anger into passion and good humour.
What do you think? How do you deal with anger? Chime in with your thoughts below and you might win something.
Filed under Personal Development.
Roflmao I love the title
I find cussing therapeutic when I blow my top as I release those pent up anger and frustrations.
Besides the occasional verbal barrage, I release those negative emotions by running.
With the current economic climate which lead to the reality of job insecurity, I may have done enough running to prepare myself for the annual marathon!
You need some Chi Gung or Tai Chi for relaxation. Of course you can always stop by our Black Belt class on Tuesday nights for some full contact sparring.
That definitely sounds like a good way to work out some frustrations! Could be a fun experience as well…
After sparring we all go to a Sushi Bar for sake and sushi. Friends before, enemies during, friends afterward.
I use rage to fuel my desire to do better than the person that pissed me off. It’s business, not personal.
If you really have a short temper, then you need to release it, not hold it in. A punching bag does wonders. You’ll feel great after doing harm to a sack full of sand so you can do no harm to the people around you.
Does a fist to drywall do the same thing? lol
Lol, I don’t know why not…except that you’ll end up having to repair it later
I’d rather put someone else through the drywall than my fist.
This is really excellent write-up article on anger. Anger really can reduce your performance drastically.
I only have anger issues when other drivers cut me off, other than that I’m pretty chill.
I add to that people who don’t follow the 5 things to do before calling tech support:
1. Is the equipment plugged in?
2. Is the equipment turned on?
3. Does the printer have paper?
4. Are all the cables plugged into the computer, i.e. keyboard, mouse, network cable, monitor?
5. Have you rebooted to see if it corrects the problem?
Well, one of my co-workers recently went from having a boyfriend to having a fiance, so I was slightly confused when I read this title…you have some very good pointers there. Although, you left-out the one that is my most-likely to use – Harm yourself, not others – does this mean it’s not a recommended method?
Ideally, no one should be harmed, yourself included.
Hmm, what a novel idea
The most difficult thing with channeling the rage into positive energy is focusing on the positive thing that you are trying to do.
Wasn’t it a Chinese Philosopher that said “Do no Harm.”
That’s part of the Hippocratic Oath that all doctors are supposed to take.
Doctors, that’s right. You mean like the one’s that were tweeting during surgery.
I wonder if they’ll make tweeting part of the requirement now for all surgeons, or at least their assistants lol. It would certainly help out public education, that’s for sure.
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Wow! When I was younger the only time I could write was when I was angry or upset. Thankfully, that time has passed!
The only I can do when I’m angry is go and workout. Or hit things. haha
Lol…just can’t seem to find the focus huh? Me either.
I used to have a punching bag in my basement attached to a support beam and I ended up tearing the screw right out of the socket. It was a bad day. :p
I’ve always wanted to get a heavy-bag, but have yet to have a place to put one…once I do though…
Actually, now that I revisit that idea again, I might be able to make something work, hmmm….
Get a Wave bag instead Nick. They sit on the floor, you fill the base with water and you can move it where ever you want. I move mine to a corner of the room and when I need it roll it to the center to use.
Hmmm, might have to check that out too….seems a bit more convenient
Yeah, I’ve seen those wave bags, but haven’t really considered them seriously. I’d be worried about it coming back and slapping me like in the movies. haha
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