If there is anything that can short-circuit your life quickly, it usually can be attributed to anger and/or anxiety. Author Gary Renard notes in "Disappearance of the Universe" that when you become angry, it's usually not for the reason you think. The cause may have deeper roots. If there is any positive about anger and anxiety, it's understanding that you can control and eliminate them. In "Harmonic Wealth," James Arthur Ray states, "Your results are only and always a reflection of you."
Anxiety Management
You can manage your anxiety so that it has no adverse effects. In "Unleash the Champion," Denny Dicke notes that being anxious or panicky is not a weak personality trait and they can be overcome. Anxiety is simply caused by your interpretation of the situation. He suggests reminding yourself of how you really want the situation to turn out, then state it out loud and visualize a positive outcome. This will help replace those fearful, anxious emotions.
Paradigm Shift
Stephen Covey in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" offers the thought that your beliefs and opinions, or paradigms have a silent, unconscious impact on your thoughts and actions. Just saying that you will no longer be angry or anxious will not work unless you get to the core and change your basic paradigms from which your attitudes and behaviors flow. Covey says the more you become aware of your core beliefs and opinions, the more you will take responsibility for them. This will allow you to see the situation in a more objective, positive light.
Confronting Anxiety and Anger
Confronting anxiety can certainly be an effective technique for managing and controlling it. In what Dr. Viktor Frankel calls a paradoxical intention in his book, "The Will to Meaning," encouraging yourself to do the very thing that makes you anxious or angry causes an inversion of intention. According to Dr. Frankel, by facing the very thing you fear or are anxious about will make you stop fighting the situation. This paradoxical or contradictory intention helps alleviate your fears until they finally and simply disappear.
Controlling Anger
The article, "Controlling Anger Before It Controls You," states that when faced with angry feelings, you should try to relax. It is suggested that you take some deep, slow breaths from your diaphragm as you repeat "relax" or "take it easy." Also, trying to visualize a relaxing scene or experience can slow or stop the angry feelings.
The article also says that you can try to communicate better. When you are angry, the tendency is to jump to conclusions. Slow down and think through what you are going to say while also attempting to be more objective and understanding in your listening.
Take Action Now
You may be a person who's life has literally become paralyzed because of anger and anxiety. If this is the case, then the good news is that help is available now. Of course, there are countless self-help books on the market, but if anger and anxiety have been lifetime companions, you would be wise to seek the help of a professional psychological counselor. A trained counselor can provide you with an objective view and put you on the path to a happier, more productive, and healthier life.
References
- "Disappearance of the Universe"; Gary Renard; 2003
- "Harmonic Wealth"; James Arthur Ray; 2008
- "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"; Stephen Covey; 1989
- "The Will to Meaning"; Dr. Viktor Frankel; 1970
- American Psychological Association; Controlling Anger Before It Controls You
