Whether or not you run or walk up a hill, you do the same amount of work. Running, however, takes more power. Enough of a physics lesson. Now, the application:
We are often frustrated when we want to effect a change of attitude in someone else or in a group. In that frustration, we might be inclined to use more power than is necessary to alter attitudes. Is there a practical application of this thought?
Take anger. It is frequently part of an attempt to change someone. Ironically and unlike the physical measure of energy’s consumption, the application of more power through anger usually accomplishes less work. Let’s call it the Inverse Law of Anger: An increase in emotional power leads to a decrease in attitudinal change.
Remember, work means a change, and both walking and running up a hill accomplish the same amount of change. Power throws in the element of time. Maybe because we know the physical effect by experience—that is, that we can effect a change more rapidly in a physical setting by applying more power—we think the principle applies in the world of the psyche, the world of emotions.
But it most often doesn’t. A greater exertion of “emotional power” results in less work.
Slow and easy or repeated and steady can effect a desired change without the addition of more frustrating emotional power. That especially applies when one is trying to “push” something as incorporeal as emotions up the Hill of Attitude.
You can get that same change—albeit it might take longer—by the steady and less emotionally charged process. Ask yourself: "What’s the goal?" What’s the work you want done? Apply a steady force. You’ll effect the change you desire.
Just remember to apply the Inverse Law of Anger.
We are often frustrated when we want to effect a change of attitude in someone else or in a group. In that frustration, we might be inclined to use more power than is necessary to alter attitudes. Is there a practical application of this thought?
Take anger. It is frequently part of an attempt to change someone. Ironically and unlike the physical measure of energy’s consumption, the application of more power through anger usually accomplishes less work. Let’s call it the Inverse Law of Anger: An increase in emotional power leads to a decrease in attitudinal change.
Remember, work means a change, and both walking and running up a hill accomplish the same amount of change. Power throws in the element of time. Maybe because we know the physical effect by experience—that is, that we can effect a change more rapidly in a physical setting by applying more power—we think the principle applies in the world of the psyche, the world of emotions.
But it most often doesn’t. A greater exertion of “emotional power” results in less work.
Slow and easy or repeated and steady can effect a desired change without the addition of more frustrating emotional power. That especially applies when one is trying to “push” something as incorporeal as emotions up the Hill of Attitude.
You can get that same change—albeit it might take longer—by the steady and less emotionally charged process. Ask yourself: "What’s the goal?" What’s the work you want done? Apply a steady force. You’ll effect the change you desire.
Just remember to apply the Inverse Law of Anger.
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