Anger Management: How do I Transform Anger into a Creative Power?
Ever thought about anger management as a source of creative power? Anger may be categorized as a
negative emotion but you can channel your anger to serve your creative goals and hence turn it to your
advantage. Anger is a strong emotion and when used in a positive way can really sway things in your
favor thus transforming a negative emotion into a force that results in positive changes. Let us explore
how anger can be an ally.
The popular notion is that certain things, situations or individuals trigger an angry response. However,
this is not exactly the case. There is actually no individual or any other external agent that can make you
angry. It is your perception that determines the way you react to situations or individuals. It is not about
what someone says to you but about what you say to yourself about what the other person says…
Compare: ‘what an …hole’ with ‘I guess he is having a hard day’… The fact that anger arises is due to our
survival mechanisms. It’s an energy that is supposed to help you fight better. The opportunity of using
such a powerful energy for a creative purpose is very real and it is a matter of conscious choice. Follow
the anger management steps below and see how the positive side of anger can transform your life:
When you feel that surge of rage within yourself, try and distance yourself from the situation so that you
can escape the heat of the moment.
Anger management step one: Try and put things into perspective
You need to ask yourself whether the incident is worth such a response. Thinking on these lines will help
you to calm down and also identify the things that need to be changed. You can then think of a plan to
execute the change. It is necessary to shift your thought or your focus from the negative to the positive
that is from the crisis to its solution. Change of perspective can be attained by positive side of the anger
only.
Anger management step two: Apply the SWAT technique
Whenever you feel that you are going to lose your cool any moment apply the SWAT tactics that is ‘Stop,
Walk and Talk’. Stop anything that you were about to do in that bout of anger. This way you can avoid
further worsening the situation. Try and Walk away from the scene. The ‘out of sight and out of mind’
act really helps in this context. Next, try and talk to yourself and help yourself calm down in this way.
You can even discuss the issues with someone who is neutral in order to get an objective point of view
of the situation. Though this is not exactly a positive side of anger but it can turn out to be one because
it resolves the crisis situation.
Anger management step three: Relax
Take a deep breath, listen to music, just be yourself and relax. You will see your anger vanish out of the
window in no time.