5 Things You Can Do That Increase Emotional Intelligence

I remember the first time I heard the term emotional intelligence. Since then, I've learned quite a bit about what it is and what it is not. Truth is, increasing your own emotional intelligence is beneficial in more ways than one can imagine. In fact, there is viable information to suggest that those with increased emotional intelligence can impact their own financial picture significantly. It makes sense right? If I know how to manage myself and how I manage relationships with others, of course I'd have more success in business and life right? 

But what does that look like to "increase emotional intelligence" for yourself? Emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness. To be able to regulate ourselves, motivate ourselves and more we have to be aware of where we are in the moment. Additionally, once we master ourselves, we have to be willing to be aware of others in their fullness to better develop and maintain relationships with them. 

So how do we improve our emotional intelligence? It's not as hard as many think yet a lot of people don't know where to start.  Here are some steps to help you along the way. 
     
​1. Take a good look at yourself. Do you know how to identify your feelings and name them properly? Are you truly aware of how your emotions impact the way you operate in the world? Did the driver who pissed you off on the road this morning/afternoon set the tone for how you’d feel the rest of the day?

2. Step outside of yourself. Take a second to just breathe and take in how you are feeling. Are you hurried, overwhelmed, distracted, etc.? Does this impact how you listen to others?

3. Question yourself. Opinions are great but where did yours come from? Are they valid? Are they helpful. Looking into your thoughts and beliefs is key.

4. What makes you tick. Do you know what your emotional triggers are? Some say they don’t get emotional. Even NOT being emotional is still dealing with your emotional state via suppression. Examine this.

5. Own your stuff. Your feelings and emotions are yours. Instead of vilifying them, understand them and why some create the hot button effect while others don’t. What’s the message that the hot buttons are conveying? What do you really need? 

Growing your EI is a process that doesn't happen overnight. With patience and perseverance it is something you can accomplish. When you need help, let us know and we are happy to help at A. Word & Company.