What pisses you off? More importantly, have you ever stopped to understand why certain people, behaviours or situations trigger such a strong emotional reaction in you?

The things that frustrate, anger or irritate us can reveal a great deal about our values, expectations, boundaries and unresolved issues. Often, our strongest emotional reactions provide valuable information about what matters to us and how we see the world.

In this episode of The Strong Life Project, Shaun O'Gorman explores why understanding your frustrations is an important part of developing emotional intelligence, self awareness and personal leadership.

Think about the behaviours that consistently get under your skin. Is it dishonesty? Disrespect? Incompetence? People who refuse to take responsibility? Perhaps it is someone who constantly blames others or makes excuses for their circumstances.

Your reactions can help you identify the standards you hold yourself and others to. They can also expose unrealistic expectations, personal insecurities, past experiences and areas where you might need to develop greater emotional control.

The important part is learning to become curious about your reactions rather than allowing them to dictate your behaviour. Anger and frustration are normal human emotions. What matters is understanding where they come from and deciding how you respond.

For men, leaders, police officers and anyone who wants to improve their relationships and performance, this level of self awareness is essential. When you understand your emotional triggers, you gain a greater ability to communicate effectively, establish healthy boundaries and make better decisions under pressure.

You cannot manage what you refuse to understand.

Take some time to consider what consistently pisses you off. There may be something important worth learning about yourself.

The Strong Life Project is about developing the self awareness, resilience and emotional intelligence required to build a stronger life.