Podcast Summary: The Strategy Hour Podcast – Episode 899: "Feel in Control: How 4 Minutes Can Transform Your Emotional Health with Tera Wages"

Introduction In Episode 899 of The Strategy Hour Podcast, host Abagail Pumphrey welcomes Tara Wages, an accomplished entrepreneur and CEO, to discuss the profound impact of emotional regulation on both personal well-being and business success. Tara, co-founder of Connection Codes, brings over a decade of experience in digital marketing and has transitioned her focus to mastering emotional regulation as a tool for building confidence, clarity, and meaningful connections.

Guest Background and Transition to Emotional Regulation Tara shares her journey from running a successful video production agency alongside her husband to discovering the transformative power of emotional regulation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tara Wages [03:16]: “Listening to the founders, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis teach these tools, I was like, there is nothing else out there like this. I've never heard anything like this. And we need to help them get this out into the world.”

This pivotal moment led Tara to partner with Connection Codes, where she now focuses on helping others process and regulate their emotions, profoundly changing her approach to business and personal life.

The Science of Emotions in Business Decisions The conversation delves into how emotions underpin every business decision and behavior. Tara explains that recognizing and processing emotions can prevent them from overwhelming the brain, leading to better decision-making and improved self-esteem.

Tara Wages [05:53]: “… the more we experience them without recognizing them and processing them, they flood our brains. So, for example, one of my clients, she was an emotional stuffer and has a high-stress job. She was stuffing her emotions and has started breaking out in hives…”

Tara emphasizes that unregulated emotions can manifest physically and mentally, affecting productivity and overall well-being.

Demonstration of the Four-Minute Emotional Regulation Tool Abagail requests Tara to demonstrate the "four-minute tool" designed to help individuals identify and regulate their emotions effectively. Tara walks through the Core Emotion Wheel, a tool developed by Connection Codes to categorize and understand eight core emotions.

Tara Wages [09:30]: “Dr. Glenn and Phyllis created, we call it, the core emotion wheel. And it is where we have the eight core emotions. And you go through the wheel and you say the most recent time you felt that emotion…”

Through practical examples, Tara illustrates how naming emotions can alleviate their burden and foster clearer communication.

Application to Relationships and Communication The discussion highlights how emotional regulation enhances relationships, both personal and professional. Tara shares strategies for communicating emotions without causing defensiveness or conflict, fostering a more supportive and connected environment.

Abagail Pumphrey [18:26]: “… when someone feels hurt, fear controls how they show up… By sharing your core emotions, you can communicate more effectively without burdening the other person.”

Tara recounts instances from her own life and business where using the Core Emotion Wheel has mitigated conflicts and strengthened partnerships.

Emotional Awareness’s Impact on Leadership and Business Growth Tara explains how emotional regulation has transformed her leadership style, allowing her to take risks and lead with confidence without being hindered by fear or shame.

Tara Wages [26:17]: “Now that I can recognize, oh, this is shame. Oh, this is fear, it no longer has a hold on me in the same way… I'm in control of it.”

This heightened emotional awareness has directly contributed to the growth and trajectory of her business, enabling her to navigate challenges with resilience and clarity.

Co-Regulation Without Burdening Others A critical aspect discussed is the concept of co-regulation—processing emotions with others without placing undue burden on them. Tara shares techniques to maintain emotional balance while supporting others, ensuring mutual growth and understanding.

Tara Wages [30:10]: “Your emotions are your emotions, and my emotions are my emotions. …she doesn't need to become defensive. I'm sharing with her what I am experiencing so we can stay connected…”

This approach fosters healthier, more empathetic relationships both at home and in the workplace.

Combating Burnout Through Emotional Regulation Addressing a prevalent issue among entrepreneurs, Tara outlines how emotional regulation can prevent and alleviate burnout. By acknowledging and processing emotions associated with daily tasks, individuals can manage their workload more effectively and maintain their mental health.

Tara Wages [34:51]: “… recognizing that there's also emotion tied to the task… being able to say to my assistant, like, huh? So much loneliness in this inbox today…”

This mindfulness not only reduces the emotional strain but also enhances productivity and job satisfaction.

Final Advice and Resources As the episode concludes, Tara offers actionable advice for listeners juggling business and personal life:

Tara Wages [47:30]: “Try this out for yourself. Use this tool and process what you are experiencing… You do have everything you need inside of you to reach your dreams and to reach your goals.”

She encourages the use of the Core Emotion Wheel and continuous emotional processing to achieve personal and professional fulfillment. Tara also shares where listeners can connect with her and learn more:

• Instagram: @ConnectionCodes
• Podcast: The Connection Codes

Notable Quotes

• Tara Wages [05:53]: "The more we experience them without recognizing them and processing them, they flood our brains."
• Tara Wages [09:30]: “… the core emotion wheel. And it is where we have the eight core emotions.”
• Tara Wages [26:17]: “I'm in control of it.”
• Tara Wages [34:51]: “… recognizing that there's also emotion tied to the task…”
• Tara Wages [47:30]: “You do have everything you need inside of you to reach your dreams and to reach your goals.”

Conclusion Episode 899 of The Strategy Hour Podcast offers invaluable insights into the role of emotional regulation in achieving business success and personal well-being. Tara Wages’ expertise and practical tools empower listeners to navigate their emotions effectively, fostering stronger relationships and a more resilient approach to entrepreneurship. This episode serves as a pivotal resource for service-based business owners seeking to build a profitable and sustainable online presence while maintaining emotional health.

For more resources and to access the Core Emotion Wheel, visit bossproject.com/podcast.