How to raise your EQ, or emotional intelligence, has become an important source of discussion nowadays. Unlike IQ or intelligence quotient, emotional intelligence is way different and holds a greater potential to overcome any challenge that life throws at you. It is the ability to know, understand, and manage your emotions and the emotions of others, or better yet, it is the ability to channelize thoughts in such a way that the other person won’t get offended by your actions. Here are five brilliant ways that you can adopt to increase your emotional intelligence.
1) Practice Self-Awareness
Self-aware people are attuned to their feelings and emotions and always listen to what others have to say. They know how to regulate their emotions and never get offended when they are wrong. In fact, they are conscious of their mistakes and laugh at themselves when they make one. They have a deeper understanding of themselves and who they are from within. Instead of giving a quick response to something, they analyze it first, and then share their opinion on it.
Even while going through hardships, they never lose their tempo. Instead, they develop a coping mechanism to fight back anxiety, fear, and criticism. They are mindful of their words and always show empathy toward others. Unlike others who lack EQ, emotionally intelligent people are conscious of how they react to the circumstances, show compassion towards others, and hardly ever make quick judgments about anything or anyone. They are aware of their feelings and emotions and never let them control their lives by any means.
2) Practice empathy
When you are empathetic toward others, you try to put yourself in their shoes to see how they are feeling at the moment. It is an excellent mechanism to help others overcome their sorrows and pain by looking at the world from their point of view. But this can only happen if you are aware of your true self, feelings, and emotions. Developing empathy is not as hard as it sounds. All you need is to be conscious of others’ feelings and emotions and not get provoked when encountering their opinions, beliefs, and how they perceive the world. Instead, open yourself to the other person. Let them know that you are here to help them by showing deep respect and love towards them.
3) Get attuned to your feelings and emotions
Emotionally intelligent people are self-regulated and self-aware of their feelings. In the midst mayhem and chaos, they stay grounded and never get overwhelmed by constant criticism and setbacks. They know how to make lemonade when life gives them lemons. Holding themselves accountable for their mistakes and take proactive steps are one of their strongest suits. They are in control of their emotions and never get influenced by other people’s opinions about something or someone. Also, practicing mindfulness helps them to stay focused without getting attached to the past and the future. During the passing time, they cultivate good habits and inspire others to do the same by becoming more self-aware and self-regulated.
4) Strengthen your inner belief
People with high EQ are self-determined, self-motivated, and self-aware of their needs and desires. They know how to use their emotions in the right direction to get the most out of their lives. They never get discouraged by a series of setbacks. Instead, they analyze the situation carefully and plan accordingly. They are more resilient in the face of adversity and always bounce back with their sheer determination and optimism. Their positive beliefs about themselves, like, “I am strong,” “I am kind,” “I am beautiful” or “I am amazing,” help them feel accomplished and fulfilled. In short, their beliefs about something or someone, whether positive or negative, are the outcome of their high or low emotional intelligence. The stronger your belief, the higher your EQ. The weaker your belief, the lower your EQ.
5) Take social skills as a priority
A social skill is the essential aspect of emotional intelligence that helps to influence and manage other people’s emotions effectively. Whether it is a personal or professional front, emotionally intelligent people handle criticism courteously and never lose tempo unnecessarily. They are attuned to their emotions and the feelings of others. It doesn’t matter how complicated life becomes; they always try to stay calm and manage stress pretty well. Even at work, they listen carefully to others’ concerns, show empathy toward them, and find optimal resolutions accordingly. They are assertive in the face of criticism and show strong emotions when they have to. In simple terms, social skills are an integral part of emotional intelligence, and one should not only incorporate them into their own life but into the lives of others as well.