How to Make Anger Work For You, Not Against You

13/08/2024 51 min Episodio 3
How to Make Anger Work For You, Not Against You

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Episode Synopsis

Anger is often seen as a destructive force, something to be feared and avoided. Yet, beneath its fiery exterior lies a powerful tool capable of driving change and even fostering creativity. Understanding and harnessing anger can unlock a new realm of possibilities, turning this misunderstood emotion into a source of strength and inspiration.This episode’s guest is Dr. Ryan Martin, also known as the 'Anger Professor.' He is a distinguished researcher and author who has dedicated his career to studying anger and other emotions. Regularly featured in the media, he is also a TEDx speaker and the author of the books Why We Get Mad: How to Use Your Anger for Positive Change and How to Deal with Angry People: 10 Strategies for Facing Anger at Home, at Work and in the Street.He explains that anger is fundamentally an emotional response comprising thoughts, physiological arousal, and action tendencies. He delves into the cognitive aspects of anger, highlighting how thoughts of fairness, injustice, and even revenge can accompany this emotion. He also highlights the societal biases that affect how different groups are perceived when expressing anger, noting that marginalized individuals often face unfair consequences for their anger.He discusses how the intensity and frequency of anger, along with its impact on the individual and others, determine whether it is problematic. He encourages people to be aware of how their anger affects their loved ones and to seek professional help if necessary. But he suggests avoiding therapists who recommend outward physical expressions of anger as a way to feel better, arguing that things like rage rooms don’t work.  While sometimes anger is misplaced, Dr. Martin points out that it can arise from genuine experiences of poor treatment or injustice, making it a legitimate and appropriate response. He calls on people to recognize the power of anger and harness it for constructive purposes. LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST