Scroll VI in Og Mandino’s The Greatest Salesman is interesting.

The predominant point is declaring that I will be master of my emotions.

The interesting part is the acknowledgement of fluctuating emotions, not an attempt to make them be more consistent, but to recognize the fluctuation so it doesn’t throw one off course.

For example, Og gives us a list of negative emotions one might feel and a counter action for when that emotion surfaces. “If I feel depressed, I will sing.” (p. 80)

In addition, he suggests a potential downside to overly positive emotions as well. “If I become overconfident, I will recall my failures.” (p.81)

Overall, I think my favorite line is “Inside me is a wheel, constantly turning from sadness to joy, from exultation to depression, from happiness to melancholy.” (p.79)

Emotions can be a funny thing and often become an excuse for bad behavior or a reason to avoid change. But the most impactful takeaway for me is the recognition that my emotions will always be like shifting sand…and knowing that it will shift gives me an advantage.

Og gives specific actions to help overcome momentary emotional responses, and when we combine that with lessons from the Master Key, we have a powerful combination.

In Part 22 of the Master Key, he again points out the need for “mental work, by diverting the thoughts…” (Section 27)

In my toolbox I have many resources to help me control my thoughts – my poster, shapes, stack of cards, visualizations, etc.

And when I add that with the knowledge that my emotions will always be inconsistent, I feel like I’ve advanced another level in my understanding of and practice of mental work.