⇢ As introverts, we tend to go inward.
We’re often in our heads and have a constant feedback loop on our feelings and emotions.
This cycle can be positive or negative.
Today, I would like to share the concept of emotional mastery.
⇢ It says that we can control our emotions when we change our interpretation of events.
Mastering this is a long-term endeavor but starting to be aware of your internal filter is a great first step that anyone can take.
People think that emotions stem directly from events. But they actually stem from our interpretation of events.
Here’s how it goes:
- An external event happens.
E.g., your colleague talks over you. - We assign meaning to the event.
Within milliseconds, this event goes through our internal filter, and we assign a meaning to it.
This happens mostly unconsciously and is the key to mastering your emotions. - Depending on our interpretation, you have varying thoughts.
E.g., “What an idiot” or “my opinions don’t matter anyway.” - Thoughts create emotions.
- You then take (or don’t take) actions based on your emotions.
Those actions create results.
Again, those results can be positive or negative. - Most people go straight from an external event to their emotions. They are not aware of their internal filter and their thoughts.
Our brain is a bit like a computer. It likes to repeat the same pattern unless told otherwise.
Overcoming negative thinking patterns is essential when you want to show up as your best self at work or anywhere else.