“Today I escaped anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions – not outside”  ~ Marcus Aurelius

Emotions are your roadmap. Many times, we get so caught up in experiencing the emotion that we don’t listen to the real message. For example, you get a business opportunity and with it comes the risk of loss. You get so caught up in the emotions of fear and anxiety that you stall, drag your feet, and the opportunity slips away. Rather than a calm rational analysis of your opportunity, evaluating risk versus reward, you become distracted on the emotion itself. Repeating this pattern will ultimately cause you to miss out on more opportunities.

Learn to take more time to examine what the emotion is telling you rather than losing yourself in the emotion. For instance, don’t give into the anger If someone insults you. Simply recognize that the emotion is telling you that being treated poorly is not acceptable. Then distance yourself from the toxic personality.

Obviously, this is much easier said than done and I struggle with it like everyone. However, the deliberate attempt to examine emotions, particularly strong ones, can lead to better decision-making and a much more satisfying life. Emotions are simply part of your brain’s guidance system.  Avoid the time suck of replaying the emotion over and over. Wallowing won’t get you where you need to be. Interpret what the clue means and you’ll end up with more success.

“Emotions will either serve or master depending on who is in charge.”  ~ Jim Rohn

“You have to expect things from yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan