Years ago, I was a heavy smoker and tried to quit several times before finally succeeding. In the thick of one of those attempts, I became angry at work and called my team in for a meeting where I intended to tell them everything they were doing wrong. I had just started to express my anger when the boss pulled me aside and said, “I think you need a cigarette.” In that moment, it became crystal clear how my cravings were steering not only my actions but how I was viewing the world.

Everyone’s behavior is influenced by emotions. That’s completely natural—emotions should influence our behavior. But if you can train yourself to be aware of how you are feeling, those feelings won’t control your behavior in ways you don’t like and so you’re less inclined to act impulsively.

The goal, as the saying goes, is to have your feelings instead of being had by them.

DailyInventory.net is a space to note your struggles without judgment. By recording your behavioral bumps each day, over time you’ll see patterns and draw connections to different times in your life. Those connections can help you unlock your potential.