Do You Regret Angry Outbursts? 3 Self-Reflection Questions to Prepare for Difficult Conversations

Angry outbursts create havoc in relationships, workplaces, and on your well-being.

I know because 10 years ago, I was one big angry outburst.

Today, I still yell on occasion yell instead of conversing, and I never remember when I crossed over from rational conversation to rage.

Stubbornly refusing to apologize is the worst possible outcome. Still, apologies suck.

Over the past decade, I’ve learned that — when I see the potential for negative emotion on my schedule — I employ simple mind-sculpting prompts to help manage my emotions.

The questions vary, but the framework stays the same.

I walk myself through my emotions, toward reason, and an expectation of how I will behave — no matter what.

A Framework to Prepare You for Potentially Volatile Situations

1. Acknowledge Emotion: How do you feel about the potentially explosive event on your calendar?
2. Understand Why: Why do you feel the way you do?
3. What You Need: What do you need from the event?
4. Expectations: What is the worst-case situation of how the other person might behave?
5. Your Behavior: No matter what transpires, determine to keep your cool.
6. Your Body: Prepare your body for stress with a few deep breaths immediately before and during the exchange.

Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog