How Energetic Addictions and Triggers Make Tough Conversations Harder

Difficult conversations are a normal part of work and life. But sometimes, these talks feel even harder because of energetic addictions and emotional triggers. Understanding these stumbling blocks can help you handle tough conversations better and in turn achieve better results.

What Are Energetic Addictions?

Energetic addictions are habits of feeling and acting in certain ways because they feel familiar and comfortable, even if they're not good for us and don’t yield the results we hope for. These habits might be feelings, thoughts, or actions – ways of being that become automatic over time, making them hard to change.

Understanding Energetic Addictions

• They are repetitive emotional responses. You might keep feeling the same emotions like anger or anxiety in certain situations, making it hard to react differently.

• There is comfort in familiarity. Even if these patterns are harmful, they're familiar, and that can feel comforting.

• They involve both a physiological and psychological loop. These habits involve both body and mind, creating a loop that's tough to break.

• They impact behaviour and relationships. These patterns can affect how you act and relate to others, sometimes causing conflict and damaging relationships.

• They get in the way of personal growth. They can stop you from growing by keeping you stuck in unhelpful patterns and pulling energy and focus. 

Understanding Triggers

Triggers are things that set off emotional reactions. They can be events, words, or situations that make you feel a certain way. In tough conversations, triggers can make emotions run high, making it harder to communicate well.

Common Triggers

• Negative past experiences can trigger strong reactions in similar situations in the present.

• Feeling threatened or attacked (whether the threat is real or not) can make you react defensively.

• Unresolved past issues or conflicts can resurface, bringing up old emotions.

• Being stressed, tired, physically unwell or otherwise overwhelmed can make you more easily triggered.

How Energetic Addictions and Triggers Complicate Conversations

When energetic addictions and triggers come into play, they can make tough conversations even harder in the following ways. 

Reactivity: Instead of thinking things through, you might react quickly and emotionally, which can escalate the situation.

Miscommunication: Triggers can cause misunderstandings because high emotions can cloud your judgement and communication.

Defensiveness: Feeling attacked can make you defensive, hindering honest dialogue.

Cycle of Conflict: Energetic addictions can create a cycle of repeating the same conflicts and emotional responses.

Emotional Overload: Triggers can lead to overwhelming emotions, making it hard to stay focused and constructive.

Strategies to Manage Energetic Addictions and Triggers

Self-Awareness: Notice your own habits and triggers. Understanding your patterns helps you manage your responses.

Mindfulness: Stay present during conversations. This helps you notice triggers and respond thoughtfully.

Preparation: Prepare yourself before a tough conversation. Use a tool like conversation mapping to think about potential triggers and how you'll handle them before the conversation.

Empathy: Understand the other person’s perspective and triggers. This helps create a supportive environment.

Healthy Alternatives: Develop better ways to handle emotions and behaviours, or process past conflicts and trauma. You might need new coping strategies or support from a therapist or coach.

Energetic addictions and triggers can make tough conversations harder, but they're not impossible to overcome. By understanding and managing these factors, you can handle tough talks better and turn them into opportunities for growth and positive change. 

The ultimate goal? Constructive, collaborative, win-win conversations where both parties feel heard, valued, and respected.

Ready to talk some more about difficult conversations? Let’s connect! You can find us HERE, at connect@reimaginework.ca or via our socials.