The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Daily Life
Ever since the publication of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman in 1995, the concept of recognizing and understanding one’s own emotions as well as those of others has become increasingly important in both the realms of education and business. But what exactly does emotional intelligence mean in our everyday lives? Brianna Wiest, author of the anthology 101 Reflections That Will Change the Way You Think, provides some valuable insights into this question.
Wiest, a young American author, who has recently been published in Spain, approaches the question of emotional intelligence from an interesting angle: what are the 10 things that people with a high level of emotional intelligence do not do?
One of the key points she raises is that individuals with emotional intelligence do not assume that their own thoughts and feelings correspond to absolute reality. Instead, they recognize that each person’s perspective is subjective and partial. In doing so, they avoid unnecessary suffering and conflict.
Moreover, Wiest argues that people with emotional intelligence do not make their emotional well-being dependent on external factors. Blaming others or external circumstances for one’s unhappiness leads to a disempowering sense of indignation and resentment. Rather, they take responsibility for their own emotions and avoid slipping into passivity and resentment.
Additionally, Wiest highlights that those with emotional intelligence do not succumb to the common misconception that acquiring certain things will lead to happiness. They understand that desires are ever-changing and seeking external gratification is an elusive pursuit.
Furthermore, people with emotional intelligence do not retreat from what they fear. They perceive fear as an opportunity to pursue what they love, thereby embracing challenges and moving towards personal growth.
A particularly important insight Wiest shares is that emotionally intelligent individuals do not expect happiness to be a permanent state. They recognize that life is made up of a variety of experiences, and learning to navigate through them, as well as embracing the transient nature of happiness, is essential.
Wiest’s anthology also explains that those with high emotional intelligence do not allow their minds to be consumed by incessant thoughts. Rather, they cultivate self-awareness and dis-identify from their beliefs to free themselves from the mental chatter.
Ultimately, they do not repress their emotions. Instead, they manage them effectively, make better decisions, and express them in a healthy manner.
It’s important to remember that suffering is part of the human experience and people with emotional intelligence understand that all experiences, even the worst, are temporary. They have developed resilience and awareness to accept this truth.
Finally, Wiest asserts that emotionally intelligent individuals are selective with the company they keep. Despite being empathetic and trustworthy, they consciously choose who they allow into their personal lives.
In summary, Wiest’s insights offer valuable principles for developing emotional intelligence. By understanding these tenets, individuals can further enhance their emotional intelligence and positively impact their daily lives. Moreover, by recognizing and understanding these emotional patterns, one can navigate life’s challenges and experiences with greater ease.