The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Our Interpersonal Lives
Emotional EQ, or emotional intelligence, is said to be even more important than IQ as far as landing a good job or being promoted these days. Emotional maturity gives you the ability to work and communicate well with others. People with high EQ generally have empathy, lightheartedness, are kind and approachable, can process and express emotions with ease and cope with change all of which are incredibly important not only in the workplace, but also in relationships. Boosting emotional intelligence is now being even being recognized as an effective way to treat addiction.
We are far less likely to “numb out” when we can process and express our emotions with ease. Unfortunately, this is something many of us continually need to work on. If you struggle that is okay. Awareness is the catalyst for change. The best news is, if you are challenged in the emotional intelligence department, you can build on that skill.
By developing your Emotional Intelligence you will learn to problem solve, think more creatively, develop better relationships, avoid and manage stress and conflicts, and enjoy life more.
Ways to Increase EQ
- Practice Self-Awareness (notice your strengths & weaknesses, likes & dislikes, how others feel around you, your body language)
- Empathize with others
- Learn to take criticism well
- Utilize active listening ( Listen to understand rather than to respond. Use “I statements when speaking”)
- Respond rather than react in times of conflict
- Practice Gratitude this will help you remain positive even through challenging times
- Utilize leadership skills ( Do not procrastinate, delegate jobs, practice time management, take initiate, be assertive)
- Be Approachable and Humble
Start to observe your emotions. Just allow them to flow freely through you without judging them or stuffing them back down. Then, see if you can connect the emotion to a specific person, place, or time that caused you to feel that way. Do not over think it, just draw awareness into it perhaps bringing the thought from the subconscious mind now into consciousness. This is where we get caught up in our emotional triggers many times. We are unaware of why or what causes us to snap and we say and do things because our thoughts become distorted in the fight or flight mode. We can learn to sit with those emotions and use breathing techniques as we increase our emotional intelligence.
Finally, pivot into a more positive mindset by listening to music you enjoy, stepping into a different room or outside, lighting a scented candle, or calling a loved one.
Over time your resilience will build. You will become more emotionally mature and your life will feel more balanced. You will meet with less resistance and more opportunities will present themselves.