But first, why do we even get angry? From an evolutionary perspective, aggression helped our ancestors survive - protecting themselves, securing resources, and establishing higher place in social hierarchies. As I mentioned, it serves as an indicator, an impulse for change. Aggressive behaviour itself - often meaning violence - was a great reaction to threats and even challenges.

But aggression doesn’t always have to mean violence or destruction - even though that's probably the first thing that comes to your mind. Productive aggression can be a powerful force for positive change, fuelling efforts to build a better career, healthier body, or improved relationships. The key is to channel this energy constructively, rather than letting it spiral into destructive outbursts.

Destructive aggression - like road rage or lashing out during a breakup - burns bridges and often leaves us feeling even worse afterwards. In contrast, productive aggression takes the raw energy of anger and refines it into motivation and determination. For example, using the pain of a heartbreak as fuel for self-improvement in the gym, or channelling frustration at work into a drive to achieve more, are both ways to transform anger into progress.

Of course, in professional environments openly expressing anger isn’t always possible or appropriate. Research suggests that the first step to channelling anger productively in such scenarios is to acknowledge and understand it - recognizing the unmet needs or desires behind the emotion. By honouring and working with our feelings, rather than suppressing them or blaming others, we can use anger as a catalyst for growth and productivity. Additionally, in professional environments, it's often more about making sure that our emotions don't hinder our efficiency, rather than simply channelling them. That can again be done by working with our emotions, recognizing them as well as our needs.

Ignoring or suppressing anger doesn’t make it disappear. Unaddressed anger can then lead to explosive outbursts, chronic health issues, or even self-destructive behaviours. It's very likely you've experienced something along these lines first hand. Instead, learning to recognize, accept, and consciously direct anger allows us to harness its energy for positive change - without letting it control us.

Finally, anger isn’t something to fear or be ashamed of. It’s a powerful tool - if you learn to listen to it and use it wisely. Next time you feel that surge of frustration or anger, ask yourself: what needs to change? How can I channel this energy into something productive? With awareness and discipline, you can turn anger into a force for positive transformation in your life.

Interested in this topic? Go listen to the full episode: