So, let’s look at that first step for converting your anger into peak performance. As I said before, anger is a truly powerful emotion with a lot of energy attached to it. Usually, when we get angry, that energy is used destructively against ourselves and others. But it can also be used as positive fuel to drive us further towards reaching our goals and fulfilling cherished dreams. How can we do that?

In order to harness the energy of anger and to convert it into positive performance, we first need to have a list of the goals or projects we’re working on. When I say list, I don’t mean a list of vague hopes and aspirations somewhere inside your head, or an electronic list deep inside the bowels of your computer. I mean a hard-copy list which you have easily accessable at your workplace: on your desk, on a pinboard, in your pocket or handbag, close at hand. You must be able to access this list quickly when the moment comes. If you don’t already have such a list, the first step is clear: you need to make one.

Now I won’t pretend that this is easy for everyone to do. At the time when I made my first list, I had no idea what my goals were, and trying to make a list was a depressing exercise. It was years ago at a time when I was living as a semi-invalid following a serious accident. My plans for my life had come crashing down in flames overnight, and trying to make a list of my goals was painful. Fortunately, I had a coach who pushed me, and spending a few hours forcing myself to think about my goals was well-invested time.

You will need quality time to make this list, and I suggest that you do it in a safe environment, or one where you at least feel comfortable. I wrote my first list in a café I often frequented and where I felt ‘at home’: it was familiar but still sufficiently anonymous for me to avoid distraction. By the way, the goals on the list should not be limited to any one area. Write down anything you want from your life, anything you dream of achieving, doing, having, anything at all. I remember that I wrote down on my list that I wanted a red cat: I love red cats. Shortly afterwards, I had one!

So, step one in learning how to turn your anger into peak performance is ensuring that you have a list: a new list, an updated list – but a list. Make the list, and you’ll be ready for the next step in converting your anger into positive, peak performance.