TED Talks Daily What a cactus taught me about prickly emotions | Jessica Woods
Jan 29, 2021
Performance psychologist Jessica Woods, known for her expertise in emotional regulation, explores the prickly nature of difficult emotions. She likens tough feelings to cactus spikes that can hurt if not managed. Woods shares four key strategies to enhance self-awareness and emotional control, preventing emotional contagion in personal and professional situations. Drawing on insights from military experiences and personal anecdotes, she emphasizes cognitive reappraisal and acceptance as tools for fostering strong relationships and peak performance.
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Iraqi Man Interview
- A soldier's hostility during an interview with an Iraqi man led to a missed opportunity to prevent a roadside bomb attack.
- This highlights how emotional regulation impacts performance.
Emotional Contagion
- Emotional regulation is key to peak performance.
- Emotional contagion, catching others' emotions, hinders performance.
Jumping Cholla
- Jessica Woods describes an encounter with a jumping cholla cactus.
- Its spines, like negative emotions, can burrow deep and linger.