There’s only one problem. People are naturally resistant to change. They don’t like it. Even if it’s better for them, they’ll kick and scream and shake their fists in the air. Why is that?

I think the answer is relatively simple.

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Post tags: Emotion, Marketing, Relationships

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Can you really choose your attitude or mood? Can you really change from sad to happy, just like that? Sure, attitude and mood aren’t exactly the same, but they are closely related, and so for my purposes I’ll treat them equally.

I believe choosing your attitude is a highly misguided principle. It’s advice laced with good intention and it makes sense when dispensed, but when someone gives it to you, it becomes completely irrational and usually stirs up anger. I cut it from my repertoire for that reason. I’ve tried choosing my attitude countless times, especially on mornings when I wake up as Mr. Grumpy Pants, and guess what? It never works. Why? Well, I’m human and prone to emotions and feelings at any given time. And like anybody else, some things really get under my skin. I view advocates of “choosing your attitude” as telling me to forget I’m Chris and instead behave like xCM01-27.cpo, their personal robot who feels like they want me to feel and thinks how they want me to think. Phhhbbbt. I’m sorry, but it doesn’t work. Please let me be angry when I’m angry; let me cry when I’m sad, and let me smile when I’m happy. These same people slather guilt on you for experiencing emotions when they don’t.

If you prefer to be human, please stand up. Stuffing a faux mood into yourself causes emotional constipation, instead choose to exhibit self control and turn your emotions into positive action and words. It’s not wrong to feel anger if someone angers you. It is wrong to fatten their lip and scream explicative words in their face; where’s the decency? Emotions are naturally part of you, but don’t let them rule you. Do you understand? It’s not about choosing your emotions, it’s about choosing your actions and what you say, no matter which emotion you’re feeling.

Do you agree? Do you disagree? Do you have another view on the matter? Let me know in the comments.

Related posts:

1. You Want Me to Change?! Holy Smokes!

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Post tags: Emotion, Self Control

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