According to Psychologist Rick Hanson, we are hardwired for negativity. The brain reacts far more strongly to negative experiences than positive ones.
Anger and disgust are two of the most powerful negative emotions we have. They also happen to be two of the most powerful triggers for habit change. Emotions, good or bad, stir us into action.
The key is, what action do you take? Is it constructive action or destructive action?
Anger can, on a dime, immediately transform us from couch potatoes into action taking machines. Those who are able to take their anger out in a constructive way, improve their lives. Those who take action that is destructive damage their lives.
Example: someone you know calls you fat. Do you lash out at the person and destroy that relationship or do you get off the couch and start exercising.
Disgust can also force you to alter your behavior for good or bad. Disgust can drive you into constructive behavior or send you spiraling into depression, further exasperating your circumstances.
Example: you’re naked, looking in the mirror, and you become disgusted with how overweight you are. You can react in a constructive way and decide that you are going to lose weight by changing your eating habits and adding a new exercise habit. Or, you can become depressed about your life, driving you to eat more of the foods that caused you to become overweight in the first place.
With anger and disgust, how you react, constructively or destructively, can improve your life or make it worse. When you use anger and disgust constructively, it can transform your life for the better.
So, the next time you get angry or become disgusted with your life, take a breath and do something constructive about it.
Successful people use anger and disgust to help them create the life of their dreams. Unsuccessful people use anger and disgust to drag them further down in life.
About Thomas C. Corley
In contrast to anger, expressing dislike, disgust, or disdain for someone or something is associated with a raised upper lip and loose lower lip. We also pull our eyebrows down, but not as much as when we are angry.