Shifting Anger into Positive Action

A few days ago my car was towed in a parking spot in a condo building by my office. It turns out they were making improvements in the garage and I missed the memo. At first I was angry. I was angry at myself for not paying enough attention, angry at the property management company wondering how they communicated the message, angry I could not find my car, angry I was towed and angry that I may have to pay a hefty fine. I spoke to a resident of the building and she shared my car was towed to another spot in the garage and I will probably see a $200+ fine.  

On my drive home, I felt grateful I didn't need AAA. I decided instead that AAA should represent "Anger" to "Adrenaline" to "Action". (also I should probably add a fourth A, which is "Accountability" on my part). I decided to stop being angry, but still felt the adrenaline flowing through me and decided it would be best to channel this adrenaline into action. Action 1: I decided to contact the parking management company, share my situation, make sure they have all my correct information and make sure I am receiving and reading all of their future communications.  Action 2: I decided to write a Linkedin article about this experience. One of my goals for 2018 is to write more on Linkedin. I believe Linkedin is an excellent way to brand yourself, expand your network and share a message. 

I encourage everyone who feels anger to find a way to channel the adrenaline into positive action. I was thinking of the saying "turn lemons into lemonade" - but felt that was too cliche. Personally and professionally, everyone experiences pitfalls, frustrations and disappointments.  However, successful people don't stew in anger or disappointment.  Successful people learn from their mistakes and take positive action. Silvija Martincevic and Chad Bronstein are two of the most resilient leaders I have witnessed no matter what is thrown their way. 

I recommend for every bad thing that happens to you - push yourself to do at least two new positive things to offset the bad thing that just happened. This could be anything from starting a new project, organizing your desk, fixing a door, working out, calling a friend, researching something new or attending a networking event.

Takeaways

• Turn your anger into adrenaline.
• Use that adrenaline as creative energy and start thinking of things you want to accomplish.
• Convert that creative energy into positive action.
• Extra Credit - publish a Linkedin article about any subject you are passionate about (it is simple, user-friendly and could be a start of something new)

I started this article right after I got home on May 1st. On May 2nd, I spoke with the property management company and they agreed to reduce the fine. They shared they put up signs around the garage, but never contacted me directly. Now they have all my contact information and I will definitely pay more attention. 

Also, today is Friday, May 4th. To all you Star Wars fans: Yoda shared with Luke that "...anger leads to hate that hate leads to suffering". So remember to convert that anger into positive action and "May the Fourth Be With You".  

#Angerintoaction #Letmeknowifyouwritealinkedinarticle #Maythefourthbewithyou #GoodluckJoeyNalevka #GoodluckAndrewWilson #ThanksMariefortheinput