What you can learn about emotions from LeBron James.
In 2010 LeBron faced a really difficult decision in his career.
For the first time in his career, he became a free agent, which meant he could leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and decide where to go next.
Cleveland treated LeBron like a God. They nurtured him since he was 18. They loved him as much as he loved them.
LeBron, in a live interview called “The Decision”, provided a window into his decision-making process.
He said: “When I make a difficult emotional decision… LeBron James has to do what makes LeBron James happy.”
The blogosphere erupted after this interview. “The guy is a narcissist, he talks about himself in the third person.”
What’s interesting though is that the moment he says “difficult emotional decision” he switches to the third person.
Psychologists have found that talking about yourself in the third person is a self-control process that can powerfully influence your ability to control your emotions, thoughts and behaviours.
It’s a self-distancing trick that helps you to break out of your internal dialogue and coach yourself as if you would coach a friend.
If you found this useful, double-tap on LeBron’s face and also tell me what’s your favourite self-control tip below.
Loving you, Angelos