Completely agree and I too have been there. Reality is some work/life situations can be toxic and won’t allow you to succeed. In these circumstances, after many failed attempts and deep self reflection, the ambitious response is to leave that situation.
When it comes to anger, I mean, it's definitely annoying being in contact all the time with negative people who only drag you down. But ultimately, as cliche as it sounds, it's a reflection of their inner world. And I think it is worth going to the source issue at hand for those people. And I think many of them deserve some compassion or need healing inside.
There is a reason there is anger. And I think there are unprocessed emotions inside that want release, that want to be seen, that want to be heard. Usually, it is a messenger and helps us to determine if we are off the path our heart truly desires.
If there is anger, we should listen to that voice inside. The main issue is that most people ignore that voice, they drown it, they numb it, maybe with more work. And then this is why it shows outside. Now, if one has anger, this is nothing to be ashamed of, but rather an invitation from the inside to see a voice that has never been seen before.
There is empathy for sure. I empathize with anyone who is angry 100% of the time because (as you pointed out) it’s almost always internal.
But along with empathy comes an opportunity to point it out. Because (at least in my experience) many of these people surround themselves with other folks just like them. So, there is a constant reinforcement of “everything sucks and it’s everyone else’s fault.”
I’d like to be a voice on the other side. Even if that voice says, “yes, everything sucks sometimes, but there are options when it comes to your response.”
Maybe I got this one wrong, but I’m OK with that too.
Yes, very good points. There is likely a tendency to stay in some kind of echo chambers and even emotional echo chambers that just strengthen the self-limiting beliefs or even wounds they themselves have. It's probably hard to break out, so it's good that there are some people who might be shining light for showing a different path.
I think ambition is not always good and anger is not always bad. For example:
Productive Ambition is anchored in values, vision, and contribution. Destructive Ambition centers on ego, insecurity, or hollow achievement.
Productive Anger is energy that clarifies, protects, or creates boundaries. Destructive Anger leaks out through blame, passive aggression, or emotional outbursts.
Great nuance here, Scott. I agree with you completely on both of those. I think the overall point I was making was more of 30,000 foot view of choosing to be motivated or upset. I think usually (but as you point out, not always) the right kind of ambition will lead to better results than being angry. Appreciate your addition here.
success requires an “attitude partner.” - This line sums it perfectly.
As someone who tends to get negative, I hear this one loud and clear - and it allows us to be selective about those we surround ourselves with as well, once we give ourselves the same "talking to" first. Message received. Thanks Justin
Thanks for reading it, Jon. I’m negative too sometimes. But then I remember that being angry at everyone and everything around me rarely results in the outcomes I want.
I have remind myself to re-focus in a process context rather than simply results alone - success on a daily or even momentary basis comes in different sizes, shapes and degrees...
I’ve always believed that anger might feel powerful in the moment, but it’s ambition that actually gets you results, even if it’s more effort. You can't build anything worthwhile if you're busy blaming everyone else for why it hasn’t already happened.
That person was me 3 years ago. When I failed in the initial 5 to 7 initiatives, I was so angry that I deleted my social media , sold my stuff and just travelled...constantly bickering about politics, economy , crypto and what not......My luck changed when i found my wife, and I started building her business. The only thing that kept me going was going through Justin Welsh's courses again and again. I went through them so many times, that i have lost count. Heck, I am still going through them and every time i learn something new. I can't imagine the impact this guy had on my life. I am really thankful to him and I totally agree with what he is saying above. Anger will take you nowhere. Ambition thrive in a peaceful mind. The more peaceful you are, the more energy you have to build something of your own. Love this Justin.
I had a very good friend for 20 years who was constantly angry. This person is no longer my friend. I just could not take the negativity any longer. It was impacting how I looked at the world.
No matter how much we would wish it to be so, life and business are always going to mess with us - and more often than we think. We can choose to be angry at those challenges/hurdles/disappointments, or we can choose to see them as a necessary part of the journey and bring our best selves to them. That’s not always easy - but when we move forwards with strength, ambition and a winning attitude - all of life (including the sucky times), feels like a nicer place to be.
My view is that we are limited by 2 things that we cannot increase: time and energy. The more negative energy we use, the less positive energy we have left to work with. The solution is simple: concentrate on positive energy so that the negative side of this equation will be defeated. How do we enforce this? In my opinion, this is a lot to do with our network and the people we interact with.
I confessed, its where I was two month ago. All the reading about how AI is taking over and we're losing our jobs had unconsciously decided fear and anger were in control. I didn't want to believe that's were true untili I had the a moment to step back and pull myself out of it. My world is how I choice to see it, even tho there a dark side to it, I try really hard now to stay in the bright side.
Align your thoughts, feelings, intentions, and actions with expansion instead of contraction, and watch the abundance that follows.
Bingo. I love this comment, Meghan. Well thought through.
Alignment is the root of it all
Completely agree and I too have been there. Reality is some work/life situations can be toxic and won’t allow you to succeed. In these circumstances, after many failed attempts and deep self reflection, the ambitious response is to leave that situation.
Yes. That's the right answer. If something sucks way longer than it should, it's time to go.
I don't wake up angry anymore. I think it's a "feeling" which should be transferred either to energy to change or to accept.
If you don't like something of your life change it or accept it. Everything else is a waste of time and opportunities.
I agree. Life sucks sometimes, it's just how we handle it that matters.
When it comes to anger, I mean, it's definitely annoying being in contact all the time with negative people who only drag you down. But ultimately, as cliche as it sounds, it's a reflection of their inner world. And I think it is worth going to the source issue at hand for those people. And I think many of them deserve some compassion or need healing inside.
There is a reason there is anger. And I think there are unprocessed emotions inside that want release, that want to be seen, that want to be heard. Usually, it is a messenger and helps us to determine if we are off the path our heart truly desires.
If there is anger, we should listen to that voice inside. The main issue is that most people ignore that voice, they drown it, they numb it, maybe with more work. And then this is why it shows outside. Now, if one has anger, this is nothing to be ashamed of, but rather an invitation from the inside to see a voice that has never been seen before.
There is empathy for sure. I empathize with anyone who is angry 100% of the time because (as you pointed out) it’s almost always internal.
But along with empathy comes an opportunity to point it out. Because (at least in my experience) many of these people surround themselves with other folks just like them. So, there is a constant reinforcement of “everything sucks and it’s everyone else’s fault.”
I’d like to be a voice on the other side. Even if that voice says, “yes, everything sucks sometimes, but there are options when it comes to your response.”
Maybe I got this one wrong, but I’m OK with that too.
Yes, very good points. There is likely a tendency to stay in some kind of echo chambers and even emotional echo chambers that just strengthen the self-limiting beliefs or even wounds they themselves have. It's probably hard to break out, so it's good that there are some people who might be shining light for showing a different path.
Our short exchange led to this note: https://substack.com/@thejustinwelsh/note/c-142020243
"it's a reflection of their inner world." - this realization changes it all....
We focus on being mindful of what we eat.
We talk about being aware of what we consume mentally.
But, to your point, what we create for ourselves is the most enriching...
or damaging...
of all.
Yep. Plus, it really radiates out to the people around you. And at some point, people tire of anger, IMO.
I think ambition is not always good and anger is not always bad. For example:
Productive Ambition is anchored in values, vision, and contribution. Destructive Ambition centers on ego, insecurity, or hollow achievement.
Productive Anger is energy that clarifies, protects, or creates boundaries. Destructive Anger leaks out through blame, passive aggression, or emotional outbursts.
Great nuance here, Scott. I agree with you completely on both of those. I think the overall point I was making was more of 30,000 foot view of choosing to be motivated or upset. I think usually (but as you point out, not always) the right kind of ambition will lead to better results than being angry. Appreciate your addition here.
100% agree.
success requires an “attitude partner.” - This line sums it perfectly.
As someone who tends to get negative, I hear this one loud and clear - and it allows us to be selective about those we surround ourselves with as well, once we give ourselves the same "talking to" first. Message received. Thanks Justin
Thanks for reading it, Jon. I’m negative too sometimes. But then I remember that being angry at everyone and everything around me rarely results in the outcomes I want.
I have remind myself to re-focus in a process context rather than simply results alone - success on a daily or even momentary basis comes in different sizes, shapes and degrees...
Anger's a buzzkill man. Drains your own and everyone else's battery
It's the worst. I never want to be around people who are constantly angry.
Yeh best thing you can do. But if unavoidable, you can try ask em if they're hungry and offer a sandwich. If that doesn't help, run.
I’ve always believed that anger might feel powerful in the moment, but it’s ambition that actually gets you results, even if it’s more effort. You can't build anything worthwhile if you're busy blaming everyone else for why it hasn’t already happened.
Internal vs external locus of control. One of the biggest things that separates people and allows you to predict their trajectory.
"Success doesn't care what you deserve." Yep, that's pretty much everything you need to understand in the first place.
The other that always resonates with me is - you don’t get want you want, you get what you deserve.
That person was me 3 years ago. When I failed in the initial 5 to 7 initiatives, I was so angry that I deleted my social media , sold my stuff and just travelled...constantly bickering about politics, economy , crypto and what not......My luck changed when i found my wife, and I started building her business. The only thing that kept me going was going through Justin Welsh's courses again and again. I went through them so many times, that i have lost count. Heck, I am still going through them and every time i learn something new. I can't imagine the impact this guy had on my life. I am really thankful to him and I totally agree with what he is saying above. Anger will take you nowhere. Ambition thrive in a peaceful mind. The more peaceful you are, the more energy you have to build something of your own. Love this Justin.
I had a very good friend for 20 years who was constantly angry. This person is no longer my friend. I just could not take the negativity any longer. It was impacting how I looked at the world.
Surround yourself with people who chose ambition.
No matter how much we would wish it to be so, life and business are always going to mess with us - and more often than we think. We can choose to be angry at those challenges/hurdles/disappointments, or we can choose to see them as a necessary part of the journey and bring our best selves to them. That’s not always easy - but when we move forwards with strength, ambition and a winning attitude - all of life (including the sucky times), feels like a nicer place to be.
If life didn't mess with us we're likely not leaning in enough
Absolutely!
My view is that we are limited by 2 things that we cannot increase: time and energy. The more negative energy we use, the less positive energy we have left to work with. The solution is simple: concentrate on positive energy so that the negative side of this equation will be defeated. How do we enforce this? In my opinion, this is a lot to do with our network and the people we interact with.
I confessed, its where I was two month ago. All the reading about how AI is taking over and we're losing our jobs had unconsciously decided fear and anger were in control. I didn't want to believe that's were true untili I had the a moment to step back and pull myself out of it. My world is how I choice to see it, even tho there a dark side to it, I try really hard now to stay in the bright side.