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Stress blog
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Aug. 8, 2012
Strong emotions can lead to poor decisions
By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
I'd like to share an insight from a reader. When we're angry, frustrated or tired, we know it's not a good time to make decisions. We've all heard the advice to "sleep on it" before making a decision. But it's just as important to take time to deliberate when there are strong positive emotions like joy and exuberance.
When you're on a high because of some achievement or recognition, it's easy to get swept away and believe that you're invincible. It's important to let the feelings of euphoria subside and then move forward.
I'm reminded of the following story that was shared with me by a prominent leader from Mayo Clinic. During the Roman Empire when a conquering general was escorted into the city in his chariot, he would be surrounded by cheering and adoring masses. Crouched in the bottom of the chariot, we're told, was a slave whose job it was to remind the hero that his moment of adulation and glory would pass. Likewise, we need to remind ourselves that our moment in the sun is fleeting.
Follow me on Twitter at @EdwardCreagan. Join the discussion at #Stress.
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