The modern workplace is a demanding arena. The pressure to deliver, meet deadlines, and manage complex team dynamics requires not just intellectual prowess but emotional dexterity. But what happens when your logical mind and your whirlwind emotions seem to be in two different boardrooms, often conflicting and rarely in agreement?
For years, I've been that employee who prided herself on her analytical abilities, always leading with logic. Yet, beneath this calculated exterior, emotions simmered—sometimes a dash of insecurity, other times a surge of enthusiasm or a pinch of frustration. Unfortunately, my strategy was clear: keep the mind and emotions in separate corners.
Until one day, when the imbalance became evident. An unexpected project setback sent my emotions into overdrive, causing me to react rather than respond, leading to regrettable decisions. That was my eureka moment. I realized the importance of getting my mind and emotions to sit on the same table, converse, and collaborate. Here's my journey and some strategies that may help:
1. Acknowledgement Over Avoidance:
The first step was to stop treating emotions as the unwanted guests at my cerebral party. I acknowledged them. Be it the pride in a job well done or the sting of criticism, I started by simply naming the emotion I was feeling, be it joy, sadness, anger, or enthusiasm.
2. Mindful Moments:
The practice of mindfulness allowed me to be present. Instead of getting carried away by a flood of feelings or overthinking a situation, I began practicing grounding exercises. This could be as simple as focusing on my breath for a few minutes or even feeling the texture of my desk under my hands.
3. Emotional Journaling:
Given my analytical inclination, writing became a bridge. At the end of each workday, I started jotting down significant emotional highlights, trying to understand their triggers, and analyzing my responses. This not only offered clarity but also patterns I could address.
4. Seeking Feedback:
Often, we're unaware of the disparity between our logical decisions and emotional reactions. I began seeking feedback from trusted colleagues. It was enlightening to see how sometimes my internal emotional turmoil went unnoticed, while at other times, it was evident in my behavior.
5. The 'Why' Exercise:
Every time I faced a strong emotion or a conflicting thought, I asked 'why'. Why did a particular comment upset me? Why did I feel so strongly about a project? This exercise of introspection often unraveled deeper issues or values that I held, allowing my mind and emotions to find common ground.
6. Emotion-Based Goals:
While I had professional milestones, I realized I lacked emotional objectives. I started setting simple goals, like 'Today, I'll handle criticism constructively' or 'I'll express gratitude to a colleague.' This integrated emotions into my daily work narrative.
7. Positive Affirmations:
Every morning, before diving into the sea of emails and tasks, I took a moment to affirm positivity. 'Today, I choose to respond, not react' or 'I am more than my mistakes.' This set a balanced tone for the day.
8. The Pause Principle:
Reacting immediately, especially in emotionally charged situations, often led to regret. I adopted the pause principle. Whenever confronted with a situation that stirred strong emotions, I'd pause, even if just for a few seconds. This gap allowed both mind and emotion to align better.
9. Continuous Learning:
I dived into workshops, online courses, and books about emotional intelligence, understanding brain structures, and the interplay between thoughts and feelings. This education gave scientific context to my journey, making alignment easier.
10. Seeking Professional Help:
Realizing that some emotional patterns were deep-seated, I sought therapy. The neutral perspective of a professional allowed me to navigate complex emotional mazes and ensured my analytical side didn't dominate.
Conclusion:
Today, as I sit at my workstation, I feel more integrated. My mind and emotions, once at loggerheads, now collaborate more harmoniously. Challenges still arise, as they always will in the dynamic world of work. However, with both logical analysis and emotional intuition on my side, I navigate with greater balance and poise.
Getting your mind and emotions to sit on the same table isn't about choosing one over the other. It's about understanding that they both bring unique strengths to the table. By bridging this gap, not only do we become better professionals but also more holistic individuals, capable of holistic decisions, genuine interactions, and authentic growth.
To every employee trying to find this balance: remember, your mind gives you the strategy, but your emotions provide the passion. In synergy, they can create magic.
