Have you ever had one of those moments where your emotions take over and before you know it, you've said or done something you regret? It happens to all of us at some point, but the key to growth is realizing that we don’t have to let emotions drive the bus.
So, how do we take the wheel back from our emotions and steer toward more positive, productive outcomes? That’s what we’re diving into in this 6-part series on how to control our emotions and stop them from taking over. We’ll start by focusing on emotional triggers—those moments when your emotions are about to take over the wheel.
What Are Emotional Triggers?Emotional triggers are those cues—whether external or internal—that set off a flood of intense emotion. It's a signal that your body is being consumed by that emotion, ready to take over your thoughts and actions. You’ve felt it before—something happens, and suddenly your heart races, your breath quickens, and your mind starts racing with thoughts that might not always serve you well.
It’s important to understand that
every decision we make is emotional, even if we don’t always realize it. The problem occurs when our emotions take control and we stop thinking rationally. When your emotions are driving the bus, they don’t care about the consequences—they just act. It’s like stepping into a car with no brakes and no map, heading straight into the unknown.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can take control by recognizing emotional triggers early and creating a plan to manage them before they take over.
Identifying Your Emotional TriggersThe first step in taking control of your emotions is recognizing when they are about to hijack your decisions. Emotional triggers are the warning signs—they let you know when things are starting to spiral.
Here’s an exercise that can help you gain awareness: Start journaling. Every time you feel yourself getting emotionally charged—whether it’s anger, frustration, fear, or even excitement—write it down. This practice will help you:
- Identify patterns in your emotions
- Pinpoint what triggers those emotional responses
- Gain insight into the root cause of these feelings
By recognizing your triggers, you can begin to develop strategies for responding rather than reacting. Instead of letting your emotions drive the bus, you’ll learn how to pause, assess the situation, and choose your next step more intentionally.
Stop the Cycle: How to Regain ControlOnce you identify your emotional triggers, you can start to plan for alternative responses. For example, if you know that you tend to get overwhelmed during high-stress situations, prepare by practicing calming techniques or taking a break before reacting. The key is being proactive rather than reactive.
It’s not about avoiding emotions—because emotions are normal and healthy—it’s about choosing how we respond to them. That’s where the true power lies.
If you're feeling stuck in a cycle of emotional overwhelm, check out our
blog on emotional quicksand, where we talk about how emotions can drag us down and how we can find light even when we feel stuck.
Taking the Wheel BackYou don't have to let your emotions control you. By recognizing your emotional triggers, being intentional about your responses, and creating a strategy for when those emotions arise, you regain control of your life and decisions. Remember, you’re the one driving the bus, not your emotions.
As we continue this series, we’ll explore more tools and strategies for taking control of your emotions and preventing them from dictating your actions.
Want more insights? Tune into our
Referral Roadmap podcast, where we not only talk about business growth but also dive deep into how to avoid letting emotions or self-doubt drive the bus in your personal and professional life.
Let's get you back in the driver’s seat and keep those emotions from taking control!