Tuesday, May 14, 2013

AAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!

The title of this blog says it all!!  It is what each of us feels at some point in time during the course of our busy days!  However, why do we get to this point?  Here are a few thoughts I have...

  • We think we are on an island in a fast moving stream.  If we dare to upset the the current, we may lose everything that this island provides for us.
  • We believe that no one else wants to hear about what is frustrating us.  That is the furthest from the truth, unless you are an infinite complainer that does not have the capacity to see the positive in any situation and as a result those around you tune you out.  Take time to see the upside in every situation, no matter how challenging it may be.
  • Mediocrity breeds complacency.  If you buy in to the thought "it has always been done that way", you are stifling creativity.  Again, don't upset the apple cart, it is how we are fed.
I am certain that they are other reasons that we get to the point of AAAARRGGGHHHH!!!  It is important that we understand the triggers in ourselves and work to diffuse the situation prior to frustration setting in.  This is easier said than done, but I will tell you, if you provide yourself an outlet (non-habit forming hopefully), you will find that you are in more control of situations than you think you are.  You will find that you will be easier to step back from situations and see them at the 10,000 foot level rather than mired in the weeds, your frustration level will decrease.  This will result in better decisions being made and hopefully a reduction in stress.

I had a post a that discussed how your mountains are others molehills, and vice versa.  If you learn to control what you can control, and engage only when there is a need to engage a situation, you will find your productivity and sanity levels will improve.

It is easy to focus on negativity and continually complain about situations.  However, to be a true professional, leader, and in many cases a friend, it is important to be able to see the positive in every situation.

Turn that frown, upside down and have a great rest of the week! 

13 comments:

  1. Years ago I keep thinking why do things have to happen to me. I finally got a grip on things and realized that being negative bought me more negativity. Today I have such a different outlook, love is beautiful and meant to be enjoyed.
    Nice Post

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  2. Excellent post, Mark.

    At our Toastmasters meeting today, the speaker talked about whether it better to respond or react to life. He used the example of how Ronald Reagan remained calm when he had been shot and responded to the situation rather than possibly (over) reacting to it. We can all take an example from that and try and temper our responses to any given situation rather than over-reacting.

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  3. Understanding our triggers really can help us to diffuse any situation, especially the ones you talked about. I did like how you ended your post with turning that frown upside down and into a smile. That made me smile and realize that it really isn't all that bad. :-)

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  4. Seeing the positive is something I have to work on most of the time. I tend to dwell on things when I shouldn't, but at least I know I do so, and that can be half the battle to breaking the habit if negativity.

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  5. I have received many compliments on my blog for this exact reason. Turning a crappy situation into a positive. Learning from the experience and not letting it get you down. I think that is the only reason people keep tuning in to read it.
    By trying to find the positive in any given situation you make yourself feel better, those around you and your body and mind will no doubt thank you too.
    Anyway, frowns take up too many muscles and give you wrinkles :)

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  6. I like how Susan used the term "understanding our triggers." Sometimes what we hear may upset us in a way that is not upsetting to others. You don't want to be *so* positive that you ignore those upset feelings, but you also don't want to rant and go ARGH! too loudly, especially not in front of a client. I like how you talk about relating your frustrations in a positive way, because everyone can relate to frustration.

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  7. I believe age has a way of helping us think before reacting in any situation. I find that today I'm willing to try to understand the "why" in stressful situations as opposed to a quick and negative reaction. This helps quell frustrations.

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  8. Learning to let go of things you can't control is a big step toward being happier. I used to have trouble sleeping because I was worrying about not just my issues, but issues of the world. It's important to do what you can and step back.

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  9. Always a great idea to see the positive. It takes a bit of practice to take a different view, but it is worth it. Having recently broken my leg, I am often asked why I am not more depressed. But as you say, no point mulling, see some positive and go for it!

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  10. I love the title, it's an easy one to relate to and a place that everyone has been at some point in their lives. Appreciating what can set you off is a great way of avoiding it. I hate being in that space and will actively distract myself if I feel a little "aaaaaaatrrggghhhhh" coming on. :) Thanks for the reminder that controlling that sensation is up to each of us.

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  11. I try to stay away from complaining as much as possible. I grew up in a family that was very negative and always had to point out the bad in things. It made me realize how miserable it is to be around people like this and thus I started to try to be as optimistic as possible. I have noticed however, that the few times I do vent to somebody, I actually get a response rather than them ignoring me like I have done to people who complain to often.

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  12. Wow great post... Sometimes I am guilty of over thinking everything and it gets me in a rut. I know Susan Cooper is smiling at herself right now because she knows me so well. I also try not to let people know what is bothering me because I do not want to be a burden on others.

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  13. Debra, about the title, did you know that ARG is the Swedish word for angry:-)

    Agree completely with Susan and Leora about knowing what your triggers are.

    You can control your mind. It's just a question of doing so. Once you know what triggers you, it will not take much time for you to stop getting upset by whatever it was.

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