How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
If our feelings control our actions, it is because we have abdicated our responsibility and empowered them to do so.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We often let our emotions dictate our behavior, losing control of our decisions.
Stephen Covey's quote emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in managing our emotions. When we allow our feelings to dominate our actions without reflection, we essentially give away our agency, leading to decisions that may not align with our values or goals. This suggests the need for self-awareness and accountability in how we respond emotionally to situations.
Themes
FeelingsResponsibilityActionsControlEmotions
In practice
Example use cases
In a corporate training session about emotional intelligence.
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Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
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