Emotions are Like Amplifiers, How Loud Are Yours?

Emotions are amplifiers: they’re the driving force that increases what you focus on…good or bad.

If you want to turn a small problem into a large one, it’s not enough just to have the problem, i.e. confronting someone about an issue, but you need to worry about it…over ad over and over again.  Each time creating a more intense and unpleasant experience.  I’m sure you’ve experienced this right?

You have to confront a co-worker or friend about something they did or said.  By the time you actually get around to talking to them you’ve played the scenario over so many times in your mind that your body is full of anger, irritation, frustration or a myriad of other emotions and you’ve created a drama filled story that is worthy of an Emmy Award.

Fortunately, this process works both ways…for amplifying nice things…and not so nice things.

This is a good thing for personal success and personal performance, wouldn’t you agree?

In fact, the same principle applies with anything you want to ‘increase.’ Form an internal image of what you wish to increase you then feel an emotion. Emotions are powerful, and can move us to take action. The actions we take are always an expression of the thoughts we have been thinking (i.e. the things we’ve been focusing on), and its emotion that lets us know (unconsciously) which actions to take.

This is the foundation of my coaching, the TFAR model

Thoughts lead to Feelings that lead to Action (or lack of) and create Results.

Emotions are the difference between ‘knowing you should’ go to the gym (but not doing it), and ‘knowing you shouldn’t’ eat a chocolate cake (but eating it anyway).

Emotions are the difference between peak personal performance and “I almost made it.”  Emotions are the difference between “I can do that later” and achieving personal success. 

One of the most useful emotions for amplifying the positives in your life is gratitude; I touched on this in yesterday’s post.

 So remember, emotions are amplifiers and be aware of how loud yours are and what they are shouting. It does take a degree of mental strength to be aware and with practice it does become second nature.   

Now I’d like to hear from you about emotions and they control you or do you control them in the comments below.