Computers and AI have revolutionised how we work and play.
What’s not to love about a machine? Plug it in, give it instructions and if your instructions are clear, all is good!
All you need to do is keep it powered up, don’t spill coffee on it or drop it, and it will do exactly as you ask. It doesn’t take offence at how you ask; it doesn’t have a meltdown as it has no insecurities; it doesn’t underperform because it’s worried about its family of microchips! Wonderful!
People are a tad more complex; yes, we need powering up, no, we don’t like coffee poured over us, and we hate being dropped, physically or metaphorically. People can and do take offence and are full of self-doubt and insecurities, and do worry about their friends, partners, relations, and kids, or microchips! We have lots of bugs in our systems that can’t be sorted just by uploading virus software.
So, we have an interesting situation of having an emotionless tool like a computer that just gets on with stuff, but that’s programmed and managed by a biological machine full of software glitches! Our emotions make us human; they empower us to feel, to dream, to create, to invent, to problem-solve – or at least they do if none of them are hijacking our system by getting too big and imprinting on everything we think and do, contaminating our output.
We are not our emotions; they are part of us, not who we are. Most of the time, they are all in balance and don’t really interfere with our day or thinking, but if something is worrying us emotionally, that all changes… that emotion starts controlling our thoughts and actions to its own bias. Anxiety is a classic example. When we are anxious, we go into fight or flight mode; we want to run or fight. We can’t think calmly and rationally; all our decisions and interactions are overridden and coloured by the instinct to run or fight. Now, if we are anxious because we are under physical attack, this instinct is awesome and welcome. Once we have moved away from the perceived physical attack, we calm down, and systems return to normal operating levels.
The problem is, this automatic defence system can’t differentiate between physical and emotional attack. It can’t run or fight an emotion, so we don’t get to stand our defence down; we stay anxious, alert, over-sensitive, on guard. Our bodies were not designed for this continuous state of alertness, and so the chemicals released in us that make us superhuman – to fight or run – can’t leave our system. What happens then: you are exhausted, you’re overly alert and on guard, you can’t think or reason, you can’t sleep, you may begin to get poorly as your immune system weakens, you develop aches and pains as your muscles are on high alert and can’t relax, and a myriad of other physical issues.
Sound familiar?
How many of your staff are off sick with emotional anxiety? My training plans help you to recognise this in yourself and your team and, more importantly, how to prevent it and, if required, stop it.
Click Here To Unlock Your Team's Potential
Technology has transformed the way we work and play. But what about us? We are complex individuals, with emotions, doubts, and insecurities. Unlike machines, we can’t simply plug in and go. That’s where my training programmes come in. I help you and your team identify and overcome emotional anxiety, so you can unleash your true potential. Don’t let stress hold you back. Take charge of your emotions and create a flourishing, productive work environment. Let’s collaborate to awaken the power within. Click below to discover more.