10 Tips on Gaining Control of Your Emotions
“If you’re in a bad situation, don’t worry; it’ll change. If you’re in a good situation, don’t worry; it’ll change.” – John A. Simone Sr.
You’re guaranteed to experience ups and downs in your business. As an entrepreneur you’re probably already well aware of this fact. You have also probably learned that it’s not always the problem itself that causes the most difficulty, but often it’s how you react to the problem that matters most. In this two-part series we will examine how you can keep your cool when confronting conflict, panic, or just about any other negative feeling. This week we will cover the first five of ten tips in gaining control of your emotions.
1. Count to ten
The reason why you’ve heard this advice so much before is because it works. Anger management experts continually advise individuals to count to ten when experiencing frustration because it provides them with two key elements in managing difficult emotions: time and distraction.
2. Take a deep breath
Regular deep breathing slows down the heart, releases tension in the muscles, and lowers blood pressure. All these things will positively impact your physical and mental health. The immediate benefit, however, is that it can enable you to calm down and gain necessary perspective.
3. Distance yourself
If you’re angry or upset the best thing to do is distance yourself from the situation for awhile. This may require you to reschedule a meeting, take an early lunch break, or postpone an email response. Physically distancing yourself from a difficult situation now will enable you to gain a more balanced perspective later.
4. Take a break
Perhaps you are just too stressed to deal well with anything right now. In this case you might consider doing something completely unrelated, such as seeing a movie, visiting with friends, or going shopping. The distraction will help you to remember that there are other things in life that you enjoy. You will also feel more balanced and relaxed as a result.
5. Listen
If you’re experiencing conflict with a client or colleague, it may be best for you to refrain from talking in order to gain control of your emotions. This may require you to listen to another’s complaints or concerns. When doing so, try to remain as calm as possible (remember that deep breathing!). You may find that in allowing someone else the opportunity to express themselves, you will better understand their concerns and can move forward more reasonably.
Maintaining your cool in difficult situations is just one thing required of the successful entrepreneur. And you may be required to control your emotions more in these times of economic uncertainty. Taking action to increase your profitability is another great way to de-stress and enhance your ability to deal with difficulty.
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Join us next week when we’ll examine the final five tips in keeping your cool in difficult situations.
6. Determine the key trigger
7. Stop focusing on the negative
8. Vent
9. Walk around the block
10. Listen to soothing music
