Why Emotional Intelligence Matters

Emotional Intelligence has become an up-and-coming buzz-word therapists, life coaches, personal development experts, and teachers have begun to utilize as a part of their everyday language. The actual meaning and importance of the phrase can get muddled and ambiguous when used so frequently by so many different people. We’re here to set the record straight and help you understand what Emotional Intelligence is, why it is important, and steps to start tackling your own EQ.

By definition, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to identify, understand, and use your emotions to navigate through life. Understanding your emotions allows you to communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, defuse conflict, focus on positivity, relieve stress, manage anxiety, make smart decisions, and more.

Emotional Intelligence matters because it is a set of skills used in everyday life to manage, regulate, and understand your emotions and the emotions of those around you. Increased Emotional Intelligence allows you to better relate to those around you and help yourself feel calm and confident. Focusing on Emotional Intelligence work can help you feel more connected to people you interact with, leading to a capacity to give more of yourself to others.

Multiple academic studies show a correlation between heightened Emotional Intelligence and psychological well being; meaning those who develop their EQ are more likely to experience a positive mental state. To better understand how to develop your own Emotional Intelligence, let’s break down exactly what the term encompasses:

There are 5 pillars of Emotional Intelligence:

  1. Self-awareness
  2. Self-control
  3. Empathy
  4. Motivation
  5. Social Skills

These pillars are all connected to relational skillfulness, or how you interact with other people (and with yourself). 

  • Self-awareness is the ability to recognize what you are feeling and how your emotions may affect those around you.
  • Self-control is the ability to regulate and manage the emotions you feel and understand how to appropriately express those emotions. 
  • Empathy is the ability to understand how those around you are feeling and relate to their experience. 
  • Motivation is related to feeling energized by the prospect of self-growth and self-improvement. 
  • Social skills are how you put all the other pillars of Emotional Intelligence together – it is when you are able to identify how you are feeling, and how others are feeling and communicate effectively around others.
 

We are all capable of being Emotionally Intelligent and growing our EQ. Through self-development, these skills can be honed and enhanced. Developing your EQ skills can help you feel more in control of your emotions and more equipped to handle stressful situations. Those who routinely practice Emotional Intelligence experience high levels of emotional regulation and resilience – meaning they often feel at peace and prepared for any challenges.

How Do I Learn Better Emotional Intelligence?

Learning increased Emotional Intelligence has a ton of benefits: 

  • Increased ability to manage stress
  • Helps conquer fears, uncertainty, and doubts
  • Helps with receiving criticism and feedback
  • Improves social skills
  • Helps deal with change
  • Helps increase accountability
  • Allows a lens for empathy
  • Increases listening skills

These are just a few of the many gains you may notice when investing in your Emotional Intelligence. So, how do you do that?

It’s easier than you may think. Here are the steps to get started:

  1. Accepting that there is always room to grow AND it is a never-ending process

    Emotional Intelligence is a journey of self-awareness, acceptance, and personal growth that will continue for your entire life. You will get better at it, but there is no ‘end-destination.’ It’s about incorporating behavioral and mental habits that help you respond and react to the world around you in a positive and healthy manner.

  2. Do a check-in

    Start by asking yourself where you think you are currently regarding your Emotional Intelligence. Are you confident in your skills, but want to learn more? Are you aware that you need some help and guidance to improve? Are you constantly struggling with Emotional identification and regulation? No matter where you are, there is a starting point. Start paying more attention to your emotions. If you don’t know how to describe what you’re feeling with a word, try identifying where you feel it in your body. Practice identifying your emotions as they come.

  3. When you are ready, take responsibility for your actions

    If you blow up at your Mom when you have a disagreement, apologize. If you shut out your best friend because they didn’t text you back, tell them you were hurt. Start finding ways not only to identify your emotions but to feel them to completion. Allow yourself time to feel that emotion, and then seek a path forward to let go of it.

  4. Enroll in the Positive Presence Digital Degree in Me Program

    This program uses a mix of group and independent learning to help you grow your Emotional Intelligence and other valuable mental health skills. With guidance from an expert Positive Presence coach, you will navigate various activities, discussions, and examples to help you learn the tools and skills you need to grow your Emotional Intelligence

Share This Post:

Get Matched With a
Mentor-Coach

By clicking submit, expect someone from out team to reach out momentarily.
What's your question? I'd be happy to help.
Wonderful, how can I get in touch with you to provide you the answer?

Mira Smith

Communications Specialist

Join our Mailing List!

Stay informed with the latest insights on teen development and life coaching.

Shop products that work in tandem with our services

Become A Coach, Inquire To Learn More

Positive Presence Corporate Team

Jessica Waugh

Special Projects Director

Bio:

Jessica has roughly 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, curating premier wine programs in Las Vegas and developing educational programs for the largest beverage distribution company in North America. In 2022, Jessica altered her focus and is now utilizing her educational, management, and organizational skills to positively impact others on a grander scale. She is now developing multiple modalities focused in emotional intelligence, executive functioning, meta-learning, and positive psychology for struggling teens and young adults.

Favorite Mindfulness Techniques:

Meditating with sound bowls!

A Fun Fact:

I was the architect for my grandmother’s house

State: Nevada
Email: Jessicaw@positivepresenceglobal.com

Positive Presence Corporate Team

Missy Vandenheuvel

Sales Manager

Bio:

Missy is a revitalized mother of two teenagers who understands the resilience it takes to raise children in the midst of a global pandemic. She is a passionate mentor because she recognizes there isn’t nearly enough support for the overwhelming number of people silently struggling. Her sincere and compassionate personality is what makes her thrive as a coach and a leading member of our company. As our Sales manager she recognized that her role is to listen and learn as much about your child (or yourself) as possible. While listening, I am identifying a mentor coach that I believe your child will not only like based on their personality, but also one who has experienced and overcome similar pain points, and areas of opportunity, optimizing relatability. Ultimately, setting your child up for growth and fulfillment socially, mentally, and physically. 

Favorite Mindfulness Techniques:

My Favorite Mindful technique is to Shifting Thought Patterns by focusing on the Grounding Technique. Starts with a big belly breath in. Then, you tap into your 5 senses, to quickly and effortlessly shift your current focus. Choose a sense- any sense, and count down from 5 (order or senses can be altered): 5 things you see, 4 things you smell, 3 things you feel, 2 things you hear, 1 thing you taste.

A Fun Fact:

 I travel to Florida from Wisconsin 3-4 times a year, and we plan to relocate somewhere with the state in 1.5 years. I’ve been dreaming about this since I first saw the ocean at the age of 14 years old. 

State: Wyoming
Email: Missy@positivepresenceglobal.com

Get Notified When Coach Positions Are Available

Play Video

I’m excited to connect with you! Please expect an intro text from a member of our team.

Mira Smith

Communications Specialist