Do Business Better

23Manage Your Emotions

Humans are emotional beasts. You're not an exception. So please know this: when you allow emotion to run your business, emotion will ruin your business.

Let's Talk About Emotions

Emotional complexity is what separates us from the lesser animals. We learned this in high school biology, didn't we? I was 15. My hormones had me so whacked out and emotional, it's amazing I can even remember such things. Now we're adults. It's time to supplement the lessons from biology class. Especially as it relates to our feelings and our business.

This chapter is devoted to human emotion. How you manage your feelings will impact your business and your finances.

The Emotional Impediment

A huge impediment to success and happiness for most people is unchecked emotion.

Don't tell me, “Damian, I'm a very sensitive individual.” Great. The more you allow yourself that excuse, the worse off you'll be.

I comprehend the emotion that comes from creating and running one's own empire. I do it. And I run pretty hot. My wife jokes that my business is hard work and creativity, punctuated with a daily tirade.

You're entitled to an occasional meltdown. Just don't allow your business to resemble a teenage love affair. Drama is exhausting. Bad for business, too, because you'll make bad decisions.

Still convinced you're too sensitive for emotional management? Understand this: I know lots of artistic types. The prosperous ones channel their emotion to achieve the desired outcome of their creation. ...