You have probably heard the riddle that goes something like this… Think of words ending in –gry. Angry and hungry are two of them. There are only three words in “the English language.” What is the third word? The word is something that everybody uses every day…
Well, in case you didn’t get it, it is language . The quotes give it away. It works better when asked verbally, rather than in writing.
If you got it wrong, does that make you mad? Perhaps not, but maybe you were annoyed that you were tricked. And, even if you got it right (or wrong), are you angry about something (anything) else?
Sometimes it is good to be angry. Being angry could mean you need to make a change. And the only thing that is constant in this world is change.
I remember I wrote one of my best ads ever after a wheel fell off a car I was driving during that season in my life. Don’t worry, it wasn’t my favorite car. And the creative juices started flowing shortly afterwards.
Remember John Madden?
If you watched any NFL football in the 80’s or 90’s, you are no doubt familiar with John Madden. Before you google whether he is still alive (he is), I will save you the trouble. Here is the link to Snopes if you don’t believe me.
Did you ever wonder what caused his aviophobia (fear of flying)? Well, there are several theories. One is that he lost some of his friends from Cal Poly – where he went to school – in a plane crash in 1960. But he flew up until 1979 – so that theory doesn’t hold much water. The second theory is that he had a panic attack on a flight from Tampa, Florida, that year (’79). He once stated in an interview that his fears were more about claustrophobia than anything else.
Regardless of the reasons he no longer boards airplanes, he has become quite legendary, as a former player, coach and broadcaster. And, if you think about it, he was, for the most part, always perceived as being angry – even though people knew, deep down, he was just a big Teddy Bear. It was as if anger suited him well – and he was able to contain it. Boom!
Anger Can Be a Force For Good
Anger, if used effectively, can wake people up. I am sure you know what I mean. Many people were angry before the election, some during it, and many after. And, I don’t have to tell you that some people are still angry.
The Bible says “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.” But notice it doesn’t say “never get angry.” If your anger has been suppressed for a while, maybe it is time to let it out!
But don’t just be chronically angry. If you are, you probably aren’t much fun to be around. After all, there is a reason why they say “Let sleeping dogs lie.”
When all is said, and done, being both angry and hungry can lead to some real breakthroughs and positive change.
So, if you need some inspiration – or should I say provocation – here is a scene from the movie Network . Just contain your anger.