This and other simple control techniques allow you to responding to interpersonal conflict with 'better judgment'. The dangerous emotion happens just below the conscious level of the mind, or just below the surface of the metaphorical submerged iceberg. You have probably learnt by now that trying to correct 'above the surface' behaviour without reference to what goes on below the surface of your mind provides a short term answer at best. Usually it simply doesn't work. Will power may be no more effective that pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps.
Habits are of hardier stuff.
But some of the trouble lies even deeper in the submerged iceberg, including self belief, values and identity. We tend to take things personally and it hurts our self-esteem and identity. We lose out, however worthy our Cause. So it pays to get your values and self image right sooner rather than later, in order to get control and perspective even when facing the most harrowing situations. A simple listing of 'what is important to me' will soon sort out priorities, and what deserves your time and energy.