How can you relabel negative emotions?
The Challenge
The next time you're feeling stressed or worried about an upcoming deadline or task, take a moment to put a label on what you're feeling. Are you fearful? Frustrated? Pressured? Now see if you can relabel that emotion with a more positive spin. "Fear" might become "anticipation;" "alarmed" could be "curious."
Why do this?
Most jobs involve periods of high stress, and managers will notice how you handle these times. (By the way, if you noticed that this challenge is similar to another one you've done, you're right. It is! We developed a series dedicated to appearing unflappable in the midst of stress, and this challenge is part of that series.)The world is in constant flux, and the most successful companies are able to anticipate and respond to changes in their external environment.
A calm appearance matters, even when you feel you're just barely able to keep on top of all the tasks and deadlines looming over you. Seeming cool and collected in these situations will impress your supervisors. And if you're leading your own team, it will help your employees to feel less stressed as well.
What’s next?
Relabeling negative emotions with a more positive spin can make a big difference in how you perceive them. If you continue this practice, you can become more adept at managing them as well.
