Triggers

Discovering what triggers a mood change takes time. With diligent observation, you can figure out why you switch from happy to sad or angry or lethargic in seconds.

Step back and look at yourself as if you're watching a stranger. Follow your behavior for the past few minutes. Then take note of what changed. Did someone enter the room and disturb you? Did the project you were doing have problems? Was there a plan in place that didn't occur as you expected? Did someone say something that made you emotional? Maybe someone mentioned a characteristic you consider a fault. For example, I have a hard time when someone talks to me about success and failure. I despise failing, yet I know there are times I have done just that. Knowing I couldn't succeed as I wanted to, my mood will drop from happiness to tears instantly. And that makes me feel worse.

Whatever you find, try to stay away from that situation again. No, it won't be easy. But I've discovered that reducing the triggers is simpler than working through mood changes.