Take Time to Cool Off Before Speaking

Q: I am a very good problem solver however I have the unfortunate trait of making poor emotional decisions as a ‘reaction’. I fly off the handle but then later cool down and figure things out. What should I do?

A: We have all reacted to something and wished we had acted differently later. As human beings it is easy to act on impulse causing emotions to fly.
This reaction rarely gives us the desired result. People usually don’t like listening to someone who is exploding in their face.

Acting in the moment is one thing, but acting in a way that you will be proud of is different. This takes discipline and a lot of self control.

It can be hard to do because we want the person to know how angry we really are in the moment.

Something I like to remember to ask myself when I am really upset and want to explode is: ‘What can I say or do that will best get through to this person in a beneficial way? How do I want to be perceived?’

Communication is one of the most powerful tools that we have, but most times we choose not to use it to its full potential.

If you remember the feeling of disappointment that you experienced when you had the ‘fly off the handle’ reaction the last time, you are more apt to want to change your reaction for the future.

Taking time to cool off before speaking to the person or walking away from the situation and giving yourself time to think with more clarity, works wonders.

Speak in a way that people will want to listen. Being conscious of your emotions and acting in a way that you will be proud of for moments to come takes practice, but the results are worth it.

Until next time...

This has been 'my voice' but I respect that this is your life - this is 'your choice'

P.S. If you are faced with a circumstance where you need help, one of the best UPower choices you can make is to Reach Out to your parents/adults, teachers, principals, counsellors, friends or www.kidshelpphone.ca to get the support you deserve.
Keep reaching out until someone listens.