When someone yells at us or misbehaves, our first reaction is often anger. We feel that our strength is to give a sharp reply at the same time. But famous psychologist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl explains in his book Man’s Search for Meaning that the real strength lies not in reacting immediately, but in controlling oneself.
According to Frankl, the problem lies not in the behavior of the other person but in our lack of control over our reactions. When we respond in anger without thinking, we become slaves to our emotions.
Understand the magic of ‘space’
Viktor Frankl says that “There is a space between stimulus and response, and in that space lies our freedom.”
Whenever you get angry, instead of speaking immediately, take a pause of 10 seconds. This short pause calms your mind and gives you the ability to take right decisions. This habit makes you mentally strong.
channelize the energy of anger
Anger is a powerful energy. Instead of spending it in arguments and fights, invest it in some creative work, exercise or problem solving. A person who responds calmly maintains control over the situation, while a person who gets angry loses his balance.
Empathy is the real strength
Many times the other person himself is going through stress, sadness or insecurity. If we try to understand his situation, our anger can reduce considerably. Empathy makes us emotionally mature and strong.
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