Why Controlling Your Emotions Matters (and Could Save Your Mission)

On day 1,880 of my Runpreneur journey, I found myself locked in a debate: Are emotions good or bad? I get it. We’re all told to “feel” – but, honestly, what do intense emotions ever really give us? Sure, they let us celebrate, but more often than not, they amplify reality, making the highs intoxicating, but the lows devastating.

If you’re chasing a big goal, emotions can trick you. Overexcitement from small wins might make you get complacent. On the flip side, a single setback can seem like the end of the world, pushing you towards despair, anxiety, or worse.

The Real Purpose of Emotions (and When to Let Them Run Free)

Of course, emotions aren’t all bad. They’re the difference between a robot and a human. Love for my family, fear before a big presentation, nerves in a competition – these feelings push us to care, to survive, to perform. But what I’m learning after nearly 2,000 days running (literally and metaphorically), is this:

“Have enough control over your emotive state to know when to let your emotions run free, but also when to rein them back in.”

Experience is a tough teacher, but I’m embracing the lessons. Whether I’m hit with incredible news or a painful setback, I choose when to celebrate and when to stay grounded. When things go wrong, emotions can make the problem seem bigger than reality. Pulling back emotional amplification allows me to problem-solve logically, get perspective, and keep going – because quitting is just not an option on my mission.

Practical Takeaways for You (and for Me)

• Pick your moments: Use Pareto's principle – maybe only 5-20% of the time should you really let your emotions fly. The rest? Stay anchored, pragmatic, focused on your long-term mission.

• Celebrate, but don’t get complacent: Enjoy the highs responsibly!

• Don’t let the lows define you: Most setbacks aren’t the end of your quest.

• Control is a practice: You won’t be perfect. I’m not. But improvement is the name of the game.

Why It Matters – For All of Us

I genuinely believe controlling your emotions leads to greater happiness and fulfilment – not in terms of money or status, but in inner peace and resilience. That’s what I’m chasing, alongside my world-beating run and £1M fundraising target.

So, whatever mission you’re on, remember: emotion amplified isn’t your reality – it’s just your human brain doing its thing. Harness it. Master it. Use it to fuel your next step, not hold you back.

Ready to help me change the world, one kilometre at a time?

If you believe in the mission to run beyond 40,075 km, barefoot, and raise £1,000,000 for children’s lives, hit subscribe, share this post, comment below with your experiences, or simply follow along. Every step, every view, and every penny raised brings us closer to saving more children’s lives.

Stay tuned, stay positive, stay happy – and keep running your own race.

Runpreneur Challenge: Day 1,880 and counting, aiming for so much more…

#EmotionalControl #Resilience #Runpreneur #1MillionMission #PersonalGrowth #Fundraising #MindsetMatters #BarefootChallenge #KeepRunning #DiaryOfARunpreneur