Uncontrolled Anger vs. Controlled Anger … There’s a difference. In my last post (Why U mad though?), I touched on avoiding uncontrolled anger. But sometimes being pissed off can pay dividends.

I’m not even black and the above quote still boils up something inside of me. Now imagine Ray Lewis hearing that upon entering the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2000 Season Opener (I Feel Like Going On, 2015, p. 179). Think of his mindset from that statement. Think of the tenacity, passion, and controlled rage he had. His release was on the football field where he dominated. He played PISSED OFF, not with uncontrolled anger where he couldn’t think straight – But instead with precise anger that fueled him.

Everybody needs to get pissed the **** off at times. Maybe to get yourself going in school, to dominate a sport/competition, or get yourself to grind 4/at a job. It’s valuable to use something – maybe not a quote such as this one if it doesn’t work for you – but something to get you in that pissed off mode to push yourself towards & past your goals. Have it at the back of your mind 24/7 – Or perhaps just have it at the front before certain moments. But have that chip, water it, and preserve it. Control it. Don’t let it control you; control it & use it to get pissed off to do what you gotta’ do. Period.

“I’m pissed off for greatness!” – Ray Lewis (Ray Lewis pre-game talk)