Something I've noticed about myself is that despite all the 'self-improvement' (healthy eating, meditation, exercise, books etc etc) I work into my daily regimen, nothing seems to give me a kick up the backside like some confrontation/disagreement with a family member/friend. Maybe it's the testosterone, maybe it's a result of the ego inflating like a balloon. The inner drive that builds up makes me a (temporary) force of focus and action.

I'm never as proactive, invested in myself or eager to improve my life situation as when I'm pissed off. Suddenly the lens of bullshit I've been contentedly looking through is removed and I become far more proactive, determined and hungry to take up more meaningful action. Though there are benefits to this almost self-imposed pragmatic perspective, the means make it a double-edged sword and the mindset is fleeting.

Can anyone else relate to this? Is there a way to harness this mindset or recreate it by more beneficial means? Perhaps by embracing more discomfort in life? Problem is, normal, laid-back and content me never really gets the message unless it hits me in the face. It's frustrating to feel as if progress and self-analysis can only come out of self-inflicted disruption and negative emotion, I understand this as a form of reactive behavior; nothing seems to bring about such fortitude of mind as well.

Looking forward to your thoughts.