Don’t expect perfection, but keep working on it
Emotional regulation is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. It’s important to remember that you won’t always get it right, and that’s okay. The key is to keep working on it and making an effort to improve.
“It’s about progress, not perfection,” Durvasula says. “It’s about, ‘How did I do this time versus last time?’”
Lee agrees, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion in the process of learning to regulate your emotions.
“It’s important to be gentle with yourself,” she says. “Sometimes we can be so hard on ourselves that it actually makes it more difficult to regulate our emotions. Give yourself some grace and recognize that it’s a journey.”
By recognizing and regulating your emotions, you can improve your relationships, your decision-making and your overall well-being. It’s a valuable skill that can have a positive impact on all areas of your life.
Don’t Expect Perfection, But Keep Working On It
It’s comforting to believe that we can always be in control of our emotions, responding to them calmly and rationally. However, the reality is that there are times when our emotions can overpower us, and that’s okay. We are only human, not flawless beings.
In such situations, it’s essential to show yourself some self-compassion. Instead of being hard on yourself, focus on how you can repair the situation. Take accountability for your emotions, apologize if needed, and work towards rebuilding any damage caused.
While this process may seem like a lot of effort, it is necessary for personal growth. It may be more challenging for individuals who have experienced trauma or have been in environments where expressing emotions was discouraged. However, with practice, patience, and self-awareness, most of us can learn to regulate and express our emotions healthily.
Finding a balance between believing we can control our emotions entirely and acknowledging that we need to be present for them is crucial. As we navigate this journey, remember that it’s okay not to be perfect, but the key is to keep working on improving ourselves.
This article appears in the January 2025 issue of SUCCESS+ Magazine. Photo courtesy of eamesBot/Shutterstock