Matt: As a third leg here, the Stoics would say that bad emotions are caused by not getting what you want and not accepting the fact that you can't get everything that you want: Very probably, you have unrealistic goals.

Instead of trying to win a tennis match--something you simply DO NOT have full control over, modify your goal to play your best. That way, your expectations more closely match reality.

Buddhism for me is THAT ethic on steroids.

That is a greatt approach to life.