Roger Ewing's Blog

At any given time, as much as 60% of the adult population is involved in drama.

By Roger Ewing

When those around us act out in ways that are overly dramatic, the end result may very well be a problem in our business or our personal life.  By managing the potential for drama in our lives, we can bring dissatisfied parties to common ground, and constructive results to our business and personal relationships.

Drama is seductive and addictive.

Psychologists tell us that at any given time, as much as 60% of the adult population is involved in some dramatic situation. Garden-variety drama can be compelling and for those of us who naturally lean toward the dramatic, it can also be consuming.

In the past, the classic example of drama’s popularity was the success of televised soap operas.  But this source of traditional drama is now being eclipsed by real life drama played out on social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and cellphone texting.

We all experience drama at some time or another.  Drama could involve a serious life challenge,  or it may be a simple chain of events gone wrong that leads us toward feelings of despair. Causing us to ask ourselves, why me?  Recently, I experienced a simple morning drama that demonstrates what I mean.

I was headed for an important morning meeting and had difficulty finding the correct tie, shirt, jacket combination.  Once dressed, I headed for the kitchen and found I was out of coffee.  Feelings of frustration were building already and I hadn’t even left the house.

I stopped for coffee at Starbucks and, while getting back into my car, I spilled the coffee on my shirt and tie.  I head back home, more than frustrated.  Changed my clothes, with the usual decision difficulties, and got back into my car.

Entourage's Johnny Drama

Low on gas, I had to stop, and realizing I was late, I cranked up the fan on the air conditioning and made an incomplete stop at the corner.  You guessed it, ticket time.  Do I really have to go on?

My normal morning routine had been disrupted.  I was late for my meeting and speaking to a police officer about my driving habits.  How did I feel at this moment?  I felt I was a victim of some sort of bad karma experience.  Life was being seriously unfair to me.

Drama never gets anyone what they want.

The most important defense against dramatic situations is to actually identify that we are involved in a drama situation.  Sounds quite simple, unless you are the one that is struggling with the lousy cards life has dealt you at that particular moment.  Take a deep breath and observe the drama that is unfolding about you.  Recognize you have a role in your personal drama and understand that it is an immature feeling.  Snap yourself back to objective adult thinking.

We all know people who seem to live in drama nearly 24-7.  These people are constantly involved in emotionally charged situations.  When you take a close look, you begin to recognize this dramatic person is emotionally immature.  It is very difficult to achieve success and experience self realization while living in a constant state of drama.

Not that drama is a bad thing.  You just don’t want it to determine the course of your life. So, if you feel the need to escape reality and allow your inner child to play, go to the movies or log onto Facebook and soak in some entertainment.  Meanwhile, don’t allow drama to determine your role in life.

In part two of this three part series, I will describe the roles we play in drama and explain how each person, Victim, Persecutor and Rescuer participate to make sure the drama is a frothy and unproductive experience for everyone involved.