I get grumpy. It happens. And grumpy isn’t exactly the most useful emotion for the creative process. Plus, grumpiness doesn’t bode well for maintaining healthy relationships. So sometimes we need to get those pesky emotions in check and get back to creating (and treating our loved ones sweetly).
I’m not an expert on emotional stability. I’M NOT, ALRIGHT! But I have learned a few steps that do help us get our emotions under control and headed in the right direction. Here it is: 3 steps to overcoming undesirable emotions.
- Acknowledge you’re grumpy. Before we can overcome an emotion we have to realize that the emotional turmoil resides in us. It’s not something external. External factors may have led to the internal tumult…but the solution must come from inside. The outside factors probably won’t change.
- Admit that it’s not ok to be grumpy. This is often the most difficult step. It takes humility and courage to admit that you’re in the wrong. Even if everyone has given you good cause to be grumpy, you’re still in the wrong. You have no right to treat people badly. And it’s not ok to let your bad attitude disrupt the beautiful work of creativity inside you.
- Begin acting like you aren’t grumpy. Purposely treat people nicely. Turn on the lights in the room. Drink some Koolaid. Pep yourself up. Emotions follow actions. You just need to force yourself to do the right actions and your grump will go away.
Everyone has bad days. But we can’t let the bad days persist or keep us from doing what we need to be doing. Our work, especially as church workers, is far too important to let egos and emotions keep us from it.
Do these steps work for you? What helps you overcome your undesirable emotions?
Drink the Koolaid? 🙂
You forgot #4: Prozac.
All kidding aside, great article. I need this every day.
Drink the Koolaid? 🙂
You forgot #4: Prozac.
All kidding aside, great article. I need this every day.