We’ve all faced tough situations in the past.
Some situations are so tough and grim and mentally draining, that even weeks, months or years later, the after effects play (and prey) on us.
And these instances bring down our productivity and efficiency in the current moment.
Which is why I love the story of the two Holocaust survivors. Both had just gone through the worst times in their lives. When they were finally free, one chap was ecstatic, while the other was revengeful (understandably so).
The latter just could not understand the former’s ability to remain peaceful. “You just got out of that prison, and were treated in the worst way possible and yet you are so calm?”
“Yes”, he replied. “We are both apparently free now, but mentally you are still in that prison. Is that what you want?”