What is emotional intelligence (“EQ”)?
EQ is the ability to be aware of our emotions, recognise and understand them.
It is then about managing these identified emotions.
We also become aware of the emotions of the other person and use techniques to empathise with that person.
And finally, to respond in the best possible way for all involved.
Ways we hold ourselves back and undermine ourselves with the way we think
We hold ourselves back and undermine ourselves if we aren’t aware of how we are thinking and how we make decisions, as there is a tendency or danger to repeat thought processes based on previous experiences or opinions of others. Examples of this could be, thinking that over a certain age career moves are move difficult; or after a few relationships, be it professional or personal, which haven´t worked out, thinking that we will never be able to be in a happy relationship or enjoy our job. In sports, thinking that we can never beat a certain team or that we can never win. Basing our decisions and in consequence our actions and performance, on these beliefs can be very limiting.
My biggest personal insight regarding emotional intelligence
The greatest learning I have gained from emotional intelligence is that each one of us can only control what we feel, think and do. Rather than projecting our problems on others and blaming them, or expecting, even demanding them to change, when we become emotionally intelligent, we can re-focus, taking control, accepting the situation without resignation, not judging, and objectively see the opportunities this brings. So, a feeling of empowerment, in changing what we can, and accepting what we can´t.
Our lives change when we learn to train our minds & emotions
We can change our lives when we learn to train our minds and our emotions. We can realize our full potential, making that career move, taking our careers, relationships, sports performances, anything, to the next level. Developing a champion mindset. Which doesn´t mean winning medals continually, it´s about making the most of the situation and seeing or creating opportunities to move onwards and upwards, bringing out the best of us and giving that best in every moment.
Mind training helps performance
Performance can be increased by focusing on the essential and the most efficient way of doing something, reducing interferences (internal in our minds, and externally), allowing creativity to flow, communication also improves as our thoughts are clearer and less biased, which allows improved individual and teamwork, both as leaders of our own life and with those on our team. So, mind training and control can really help our performance.
How to start being aware of thoughts and how we’re being held back by them
So, how can we start? The first step is to become aware, ideally as each thought is happening however this requires training! A quick exercise to do is, after each meeting, event, conversation which we feel maybe hasn´t been as productive or as positive as we would have liked, stop, take a deep breath, and ask ourselves, ok so what happened there? How was I feeling when the person did or said that? How was I feeling when I replied or reacted? And then the five y-s technique can help (why did I feel like that? For example, because I felt insulted. Why did I feel insulted? Because of this this this, Why …? Etc.) helps to become aware of what thought process is going on, and where it is coming from
Wanting to get a handle on your mind & emotions? Keep reading!
For people who want to be able to fully enjoy their life and take their performance to the next level, and their sense of fulfilment, by regaining control of their mind and emotions, one of the ways is within my MVP programme, Most Valuable Person: first of all we create awareness, a stock-take of the reality, what is actually going on around and most importantly inside of us.
We discover the specifics of how we react or make decisions
Then we can incorporate tools and techniques to be able to find our own answers and how best we can resolve the situation and keep moving onwards and upwards.
All you need to do is to take up the challenge!
To discover more, and see the whole catalogue of opportunities (or request a bespoke service) contact me.
We´ll set up a quick chat and see if you are ready to take on the role of MVP, the most Valuable Person in your life. There are many other ways we can work together so a quick clarity call with me really helps too!