How Emotional Intelligence Can Aid Your Decision-Making

We all have unique personalities, desires, and needs, as well as distinct ways of expressing our emotions. Realizing this takes tact and intelligence, especially if we want to achieve in life. Emotional intelligence is vital in this situation.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions, as well as the impact they have on others. It also has an impact on how you perceive others: knowing how others feel allows you to better manage relationships.

In his 1995 book "Emotional Intelligence - Why It Can Matter More Than IQ," Daniel Goleman, an American psychologist, outlined five characteristics that characterize emotional intelligence:

1. Self-Awareness — Self-aware people are conscious of their feelings and do not allow them to control them. They are honest, and they recognize their own weaknesses.

2. Self-control — these people are not impulsive, they consider things through before acting, and they can say no.

3. Motivation - Motivation is common in those with a high level of emotional intelligence. They work quickly and like a good challenge.

4. Empathy - Empathy is the ability to comprehend and empathize with the wants and desires of others. Empaths are skilled at identifying others' feelings, even when they aren't readily apparent.

5. Social Skills - These people would rather help others than focus on themselves. They are excellent communicators who understand how to keep a relationship on track.

The good news is that emotional intelligence can be enhanced. Conduct a self-assessment first and foremost. Have the courage to look in the mirror and recognize your imperfections; it will benefit you more than you realize. Accepting responsibility for your own actions is another thing you can do. If you make a mistake, you can apologize, and if others apologize, you can forgive.

Keep your emotions in check when things go awry. When you're in a difficult situation, try to keep calm and in charge, and don't get worked up about minor details. Examine your own thoughts and interactions with others. Try to put yourself in their position and be more receptive to their ideas and wants.

So, in order to live the life you genuinely desire, you must first establish what you truly value, as this will be the focus of your emotional energy. Knowing what you genuinely value, rather than what you pretend you value, is probably the most emotionally intelligent ability you can have.