You’re peeved (and that’s a good thing). Channeling healthy anger into motivation.

“I can't change. I just can't. It's just how my life is.”

I heard a life coach tell the story of a client whose out-of-control stress-level was pushing her body to the brink.

She was a colon therapist and an ardent vegan, quite health-conscious in many ways –but she subjected herself to so much stress that she was constantly sick. 

She knew that her extreme level of overwork was on track for her demise within a few years if she didn't make drastic changes.

Her coach pointed out that her body was shutting down. 

“This is just how I do things.”

He laid it on thicker: “Imagine your daughter; how is she going to feel seeing your coffin at your funeral?”

“I know… it's terrible, but I just can't change.”

She was totally dug in on her habits. 

He threw out one last straw: 

“And what if her new mother is a meat-eater?”

The woman proceeded to lose her ever-loving mind:

"That CANNOT happen. I will not let that happen! Fine. I'm changing this NOW." 

Sometimes we find motivation in unexpected places.

With the common motivational-advice of: “follow your passion,” it's easy to hear inspirational music swelling in the background as the clear-eyed hero/heroine of the story strives towards their positive vision.

But remember: sometimes “passion” refers to anger. 

(Like, the “I hate this with the white-hot passion of a thousand burning suns” version of anger).

You can follow that passion, too.

(I'm going to wax philosophical about anger, but then I'm going to apply it to your business. Keep reading.)

In my 25 years as a therapist, I’ve talked a lot about healthy anger (as opposed to reactive, shame-based rage). 

Anger triggers action. It's motivating.

And though we tend to associate anger with hatred, it's often connected to LOVE. 

*Anger is what motivated tens of thousands of Minnesotans to hit the streets in -20 degree weather last week, warmed by the heat of their rage at harm coming to the community they love.

*The Civil Rights movement was a love-based movement, stemmed by anger at ongoing injustice and a passion for equality for all.

*During WWII, the Resistance took creative and unbelievably courageous action out of love for freedom and “Think you'll take over my country? The hell you will!” anger toward Axis powers. 

I could give thousands of additional examples. The point is, 

Anger motivates action. It has energy.

This is relevant to business in several ways.

In fact, I've decided to do an email-series on healthy anger & business, because I have so much to say on the topic (and frankly, so much anger stemming from current events). 

The first way I want you to tap into your anger is to think about the metaphorical "Villain" you're battling with your work. 

For example, in my work with entrepreneurs, I’ve gotten to coach:

*A body image therapist who's fighting the scourge of Body-Shame. That dastardly rogue has robbed so many people of enjoying their joy & life-force…

*A travel-planner passionate about ending the menace of “meh" trips. She abhors the idea of people riding generic tour-buses and getting sanitized versions of places instead of having real, quirky, exhilarating encounters with new cultures & terrain. 

*A financial educator who is absolutely, positively fed up with the scoundrel that is money-disempowerment for women. That villain has tied one too many ladies to the metaphorical railroad tracks, and she's swooping in to loosen the ropes so they can take charge of their money.

What's the Villain you're opposing with your work/business? 

What makes you so damn mad about it? 

(And by the way, can you see how your anger is connected to love? To wanting good things for people?)

Go ahead and work yourself into a lather. Get peeved. Let your blood boil. Get ready to tussle.

Channel your anger. Anger is healthy. Anger is here to light a fire under your butt so you can override fear & self-doubt to take positive action. 

I'd love to hear what Villain you're fighting, so I can cheer you on from the sidelines. Tell me in the comments or email me. You've got this.

—Jane

p.s. Feeling scrappy? Schedule a Clarity Call, and we'll discuss your goals together, explore your questions, and decide on a plan to help you vanquish that villain and get the results you want for your business/work.