Anger during the holidays?
Mary Rensel 
Why don't we talk more about this... the power of anger to create clarity, energize and build communities? Anger can help us focus and take action.
Why don’t we talk about the power of anger more?
Sometimes the stars align and you hear the message you need in the universe. I am generally an optimistic person that feels that the answers are out there and that we all ought not need to run around and figure out life ourselves. At times it feels like we are all running around trying to figure our career happiness and the stepping stones of building a beautiful life are known yet hard to operationalize somehow. I also love to share resources with others to help them shine so I thought I would share these insights that surprised me. I read two distinctly different books and they both helped me understand the power of anger. The first was Stay Hungry and Kick Burnout in the Butt by Dr. Steven Berglas, a Harvard Psychiatrist and expert on career guidance. The second book that demonstrated the power of anger was Choose Your Enemies Wisely by Patrick Bet-David, an American entrepreneur and youtuber. These books helped me understand how anger can result in 3 things; clarity of priorities, energy to change and community building.
Dr. Berglas, as a Psychiatrist and executive coach, shared that anger is a secondary emotion, meaning we feel one emotion first and then anger can follow. Let’s say for example if your boss said to you in a meeting that it was “too late for you” to be a leader. Insinuating that you were too old and did not have the skills, sharing this from a friend. First emotions, feeling devalued, sad and frustrated then anger. Mostly one stays with the anger. Dr. Berglas suggests that if we use the emotional energy of anger towards change or “ I will show them”, we can find the time and resources to accomplish or move toward the change we want to see. He also suggests that if we focus on the experience before the anger it will be clear what our priorities and values are. Again, speaking for a friend, my values are growth, innovation and optimism so this comment goes against my values and priorities. I feel sad and frustrated then angry. Dr. Berglas suggests that we harness the energy and take steps towards the desired future or build what needs to be built to beat the systems that created the frustration and the anger. The ability to feel “fired up” can lead to positive changes in our community once we clarify our values and our priorities. He gave the example of MADD, Mothers against Drunk Drivers as a community that was built from tragedy to change the status quo and build a community that advocates for equity and safety for all through drunk driving policy. So interesting how anger can lead to clarity, energy and community building.
Mr. Patrick Bet-David wrote his book to share how he finds systems, concepts or persons that fire him up to help give him energy to build his business. The source of anger is personal at times, other times he is frustrated or angered by an inequity for immigrants or limitations to the underserved. He needs to keep refreshing what causes him anger to help him keep creating and growing his business and a full holistic life. He is intentional and seems to have growth as a strong value personally and in his company. I had not heard the concept that one needs to keep thinking about what angers them at various stages professionally to rebuild the “fire” or energy to change the status quo and support communities. Anger again can lead to clarity, energy and culture shifts in business and home life.
What is unfair in your eyes?
What is an inequity that you can get behind and take one action this week towards creating a brighter tomorrow?
We do not need to save the world yet we can support our own communities with new ideas and energy toward change.
What drives you personally and professionally?
If you are not sure it may be time to check in on your current values and priorities and assess the culture around you.
Do you spend time with folks that question and take action towards a brighter tomorrow?
Today is a new day.
Harness the power of anger to clarify, energize and change communities.
Listen to my YT podcast for more discussion about this topic.
https://youtu.be/AlIhNKiYFaM?s...
Please share with a friend, who is angry or peaceful, they may need it one way or the other.
Emotions are powerful.
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Share with your overworked friends.
Life can be simple.
Focus on what you can control.
I believe in YOU.
Mary
Dr. Mary Rensel is the founder of Brain Fresh 🧠, which seeks to support busy professional women 👩⚕️ through transitions, helping them stay agile and centered 🌟. Brain Fresh focuses on brain priming with fun 🎉, fine-tuning 🎯, and protection from distraction 🚫. It teaches aligning with strengths and gifts 🎁, belonging to a supportive team 🤝, and designing next steps with a focus on building a supportive team 👥, managing anger 😡, and taking courageous action 💪. Dr. Rensel aims to help participants feel clear on next steps ✨, focused 🎯, and re-energized 🔋 to navigate challenges.
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