We are all emotionally activated and agitated by different things and to different degrees. For some, it might be noticing arrogance, for others it might be hearing a particular tone of voice. And, sometimes your trigger might even be something seemingly mundane, such as badly made coffee. Whatever your emotional triggers may be, it is very useful to understand them.
There’s often a story
Our common humanity means that we share countless emotional triggers as human beings. But, you are also very likely to have some things that emotionally trigger you much more than others. Often these triggers are rooted in personal experiences that have had a powerful impact on you. And, sometimes you might not even be aware of them.
I once knew someone who was very affected by people not being on time to such a degree that he would become very annoyed. Later it emerged that he had always been kept waiting as a child and this experience had deeply affected him.
The source of your trigger may be forgotten in the past or traceable to a more recent adult experience. Whether it’s origin can be uncovered or not, what is important is becoming aware of what it is that triggers you and how you are affected.
Becoming aware of emotional triggers
Noticing that which triggers you and in what way gives you more of a choice around how you react. Awareness gives you the power to prepare and to decide. Awareness gives you the opportunity to pause when an emotional trigger appears, rather than being automatically pulled in. Try and notice what goes on for you in these moments. For example:
Are there particular types of people or situations that trigger you more than others?
Are you habitually drawn towards anger, sadness, helping, rescuing, disrupting, withdrawing, blaming, etc.?
The more that you become aware of yourself, what triggers you, and how you habitually react, the less likely you are to be triggered.
Final Thoughts
Breaking habitual patterns can feel difficult, particularly when strong emotions are involved. This kind of introspective enquiry then takes courage. Try and become more aware of what triggers you, when and why. With more awareness, you will be better placed to more consciously decide how you react when faced with them. With more awareness, you give yourself more choice.
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Harsha is a 1:1 coach and independent thinker based in London. He empowers people to find more clarity, confidence and focus in their lives — to cut through the noise, in a world so full of it. Harsha’s new book, Machine Ego: Tragedy of the Modern Mind, is now available in paperback and Kindle through Amazon.
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