10 Powerful Quotes to Unlock Your Emotional Intelligence

Perspective if applied, will allow you to have more empathy

Emotional intelligence is one of the most valued traits. It’s a trait that allows a person to be fully aware of the emotions of those around them and their own.

Emotional intelligence is having the ability to perceive, comprehend and manage sentiments and feelings. Emotional intelligence can influence everything from learning, interpersonal connections, wellbeing, and productivity.

A person with high emotional intelligence tends to have a lot of success because they can read a room and instinctively understand what is needed in a personal or professional relationship.

Here are 10 quotes to unlock your emotional intelligence:

“It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head — it is the unique intersection of both.” — David Caruso

We often hear when people are trying to make a decision, they’re trying to choose between what’s in their head and their heart. In reality, our decision-making process should come from the collaboration of both heart and mind. The two are a powerful force that won’t guide you wrong.

“Our feelings are our most genuine paths to knowledge.” — Audre Lorde

Being connected with ourselves brings about a heightened sense of purpose. It’s one of the most organic ways to gain knowledge and understanding.

“Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.” — Khalil Gibran

Think of our experience, good or bad, as the egg. By cracking the egg to fry it, we can open up to learn from ourselves. Experiencing pain is what allows us to heal.

“It is a choice. No matter how frustrating or boring or constraining or painful or oppressive our experience, we can always choose how we respond.” ― Edith Eger

Our upbringing teaches us the life lesson of treating others the way we would want to be treated. It’s always important to remember to empathize with our responses in the face of pain and hurt and offer mercy in response.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” — Viktor Frankl

There’s a saying, “fake it till you make it.” We will be remembered for how we reacted to a situation. Did we rise to the occasion, or did we let our emotions get the best of ourselves? Having a good attitude, even when we don’t want to, in the face of adversity, can create an impact that’s ripple is felt throughout the lives we touch and beyond.

“We are dangerous when we are not conscious of our responsibility for how we behave, think, and feel.” — Marshall B. Rosenberg

There’s grace in treating others with kindness. It’s an act that will not be forgotten. We have a great responsibility to spread kindness since much of the world is lacking these days. Perhaps by being conscious of our actions, we can make someone’s day better, and they’ll pay it forward, and so on.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

Remember the people who have touched your life. Recall the good and bad experiences. Each person you think about will leave you with a feeling. What feeling do you want to give people? What do you want to be remembered for? Reflecting on these thoughts will provide perspective and shape your actions.

“The strength of character and emotional intelligence to face your failures and learn from them are at the core of success.” — Robert Kiyosaki

In life, there are no mistakes. Each experience gives us knowledge and broadens our consciousness. Understanding our failures will allow us to learn from our errors, which will lead to our success.

“Don’t let people who don’t care about you, manipulate your mind, feelings and emotions or control how you think about yourself. Never give that much power to someone else.” — Karon Waddell

Eleanor Roosevelt used to say that, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” We get caught thinking that our worth is tied to what other people think about us. That’s not true. You hold power to your mind and heart, so don’t let anyone ever take away your worth.

“Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion.” — Anonymous

Cooler heads always prevail. It’s always best to let yourself absorb the moment. Let yourself feel what you need to feel. But never make a decision based on your initial reaction. Let yourself calm. When your head is clear, you can make the best decision that’s required for the situation.

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