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| Drawing by JelleS |
The Sheer Power of Anger
Why do people lose their temper? Why do they let anger control their behavior?
Because it FEELS SO GOOD.
Do you know what I’m talking about? Then you may well be ADDICTED TO ANGER.
It makes you superhuman. All-powerful. It’s more seductive than any beer buzz or drug high. And it will destroy your life.
Harry’s Conflict at the Office
Harry had a great idea for a new marketing campaign. He knew his manager was going to love it. And he was confident it would lead to him finally getting the big promotion he had been dreaming of.
At the weekly meeting Harry was scheduled to make his presentation right after Eddie’s. But his heart sunk when he saw that Eddie had stolen his idea. Harry had mentioned the idea at lunch one day. Eddie was a good friend. Harry really believed he could be trusted.
When Eddie finished, Harry lied, telling his manager that he was not ready, and asked if he could postpone his presentation.
After the meeting, Harry went back to his cubicle and let his anger brew. How dare Eddie steal his idea? The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Now the adrenaline began to kick in. He could feel the power coursing through his veins.
Harry stormed down to Eddie’s cubicle. “I thought I could trust you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. You stole my presentation.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“I told you about that idea a couple of weeks ago.”
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| Drawing by JelleS |
“It was just an idea. You hadn’t done anything with it. And, quite frankly, I didn’t think you were going to,” said Eddie. “You’re always coming up with ideas, but you never follow through. So, I decided to run with it.”
Harry gritted his teeth as he pointed his finger at Eddie. “You’re a back-stabbing cheater. And you’re not gonna get away with it.” He stomped off.
After going home for lunch, Harry went looking for Eddie. He found him at the coffee pot. “I hear you already got the promotion.”
“Yes, I did.” Eddie smiled. “Finally.”
“That was MY promotion. You don’t deserve it, you lying snake.”
“Well, I’m sorry you feel that way, Harry, but—what are you doing? Take it easy, Buddy. Now just put that thing away.”
Harry’s entire body throbbed with power. He could have ripped Eddie apart with his bare hands. “Nobody cheats me.” He squeezed the trigger.
Once Harry’s rage subsided, the power quickly drained from his body, and the horrible realization of what he had done began to sink in. He heard his co-workers mumbling in the distance. The police would arrive shortly.
Harry turned the gun on himself.
Jenny’s Tragedy at Home
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| Drawing by JelleS |
Jenny loved her little family. All around the house were dozens of pictures of her one-year-old son, Clay.
But Jenny was a strict disciplinarian. She intended to raise her son just like her daddy raised her and her brothers.
She was watching a movie on TV when she suddenly realized that Clay had wandered out of the living room. She found her son in the master bedroom, diaper off, finger painting the carpet with the contents of his diaper.
Jenny was furious. “You little pig—that carpet is brand new.” Her anger escalated quickly. She snatched up Clay—the way her father had done it to her so many times. In her rage-empowered hands, the child felt as light as a feather.
Jenny shook him violently. Clay began to cry. Then she yelled at him again. Clay cried louder. Jenny threw the boy against the wall with all her might. It felt so good.
Clay’s little body lay lifeless on the floor.
A tidal wave of guilt and horror gushed over Jenny. She collapsed to her knees, devastated.
These horrible scenarios, and others like them, happen all too often. How can they be avoided? Surely not all anger is bad.
| Action | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Your teenage son wrecked the car. | You go out to the garage to see the damage. You get angry and yell at him for driving too fast. You are understandably upset. But you need to settle down. |
| He yells back at you. | You push him. You’re losing control. |
| He pushes back. | You punch him in the face. It’s critical that you back down immediately. |
| He fights back. | You grab a hammer off the workbench. You’re out of your mind with rage. You swing the hammer at him. |
| Your son is in a coma. | You are in jail. Your family and your life are destroyed. |
“But I can’t help getting angry,” you say, “he wrecked my car.”
It’s okay to get angry. But you must stay in control of your emotions. Remember: it’s just a car. What’s more important: a car or your son? Punishment may well be deserved. But think about it rationally. Do not lose your temper.
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| Drawing by JelleS |
Anger Control Strategy: Imagine the Future
Consider what’s going to happen if you let yourself go over to the dark side. Once the adrenaline kicks in, the demon takes control.
So, every time you feel your anger beginning to burn, think about where it could lead. What will happen if you let it play out? Picture it in your mind. See the future. Regret what you’re going to do—before you do it, while you still have control. Now change your future.
When your rage has passed, and the damage is done, you’ll be sorry for what you’ve become.
Don’t let it happen. Play it cool. Save your life—don’t be a fool.
