10 Steps For Dealing With AngerSample

Step 9 — Determine How You Will Respond in the Future

After any angry encounter, it’s wise to decide how you will respond the next time you see that person. You may want to rehearse in your mind what you will say and how you will behave. Envision yourself in a similar situation or circumstance and ask  yourself, What would I do differently? How should I behave the next time something like this comes up?

You might say, “But I don’t know what kind of mood the other person will be in.” His or her mood or behavior doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you determine that you are going to greet that person with peace in your heart, a cheerful attitude, and a positive word. Do not let the mood or behavior of other people dictate your responses to life. Choose how you will act.

Always keep in mind that you cannot predict or control what other people will do or how they will respond in a particular situation. You can only control how you will respond. And to a great extent, you can choose in advance how you will respond.

Don’t let another person affect the spring in your step or the twinkle in your eye.

Don’t let anyone rob you of your smile.

Don’t let someone else cause you to be discouraged or unhappy.

For decades, sports psychologists and trainers have taught athletes the benefits of visualization. Men and women in solo sports such as diving or ice skating see themselves completing a difficult maneuver in their minds. In team sports like baseball and soccer, players visualize themselves hitting a home run or scoring the winning goal. There is a direct correlation between good rehearsal—mental or physical—and excellent performance in everything from music to public speaking, acting to athletics.

The more you mentally prepare yourself for the difficult experiences, the more peaceful you will be in times of anger or frustration (Prov. 13:16).