Episode #63 Handle Anger Constructively

Three Problems

• We are prone to angry responses, blaming, complaining, defensiveness, excuses, finger-pointing, and gossip.
• As human beings, we are far too comfortable lashing out and attacking others to make a point.
• Angry responses tend to create more pain than they alleviate.

Three Principles

• Similar to a blinking engine light, anger itself is not the problem itself but a symptom of something wrong under the hood.
• It is natural to feel angry when we recognize that the people we love are not becoming the best versions of themselves.
• We respond constructively to the anger in our hearts when we respond with honesty, humility, and hope.

Three Practices

• Every time you notice something is not quite right inside of you, take your emotional temperature by asking the question, “Why am I feeling this way?”
• Demonstrate a willingness to acknowledge your anger with the statement, “I’m feeling angry right now” rather than projecting the lie that “I’m fine.”
• Evaluate yourself honestly by considering, “In the places where I am feeling perpetually angry, what are constructive ways to respond?”