Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to be aware of oneself and others, as well as being able to relate well to them. An emotionally intelligent individual has the ability to adapt to and cope with their proximate surroundings in order to be effective in handling daily demands. Emotional intelligence is an important skill for everyone to have, no matter the field of work they are in. It is an interpersonal range that forms early in life and develops with age and experience. While emotional intelligence is pliable to development, involvement while at a young age is most effective. Thus, understanding and improving emotional intelligence is key for self-improvement to tackle all the challenges that life throws at you.

The main association with educational research states vigorous support to confirm this proposition, however any individual has the ability to develop and expand their EQ. The most important skill to have in order to do this, is self-awareness. Self-awareness and mindfulness are important first steps in many wellness journeys since the ability to understand oneself creates the opportunity to experience ourselves as unique and individual beings. Paying attention to personal behavior, not just the way others behave, is crucial.

The Importance of Self-Awareness in EQ

With that mindfulness, we can make empowered and sound choices from a clear perspective. Well established self-awareness opens individuals up to the ability to be self-regulating. This is the ability to control emotions and instincts. Self-regulating is important for dealing with negative emotions, because it is while feeling those that people often make impulsive choices and act in a regrettable fashion. A very challenging task comes with this regulation — taking responsibility for one’s feelings, emotions, and behavior. Our reactions to situations come from us and no one else, thus each individual person is responsible for their own. Regardless of the severity of a situation or action, no one can force anyone to have a specific response. An emotionally intelligent person can take responsibility for their own retort, no matter what initiated it.

Why Empathy is Key

At the heart of emotional intelligence is empathy. To have empathy is to possess the ability to understand why someone else feels or acts a specific way, as well as being able to convey that awareness to that person. Without this base level of compassion, there is no emotional intelligence. The ability to empathize with others makes individuals more approachable and easier to talk to and confide in. Empathy can relate to social awareness. Becoming more socially aware through empathy is another step to obtaining higher emotional intelligence. It is important to distinguish that being empathetically and socially aware does not mean understanding what someone is experiencing and thinking of how you would feel in that situation. Instead, it is how they actually feel.

Improving Emotional Intelligence

Similar to IQ, emotional intelligence varies by individual. Some are born with a bank of emotional skills and understanding, and others learn as they experience and witness things. Similarly to building ones IQ by studying, there are many things a person can do to build the muscles of their emotional understanding. While obtaining a high EQ is crucial for connecting with your feelings, making informed and conscious decisions, and prioritizing what is most important, it can have an impact on other aspects of life as well. For example, stronger emotional intelligence is important for building relationships, being successful, influencing others, and accomplishing goals.

To have a high emotional intelligence is to understand and recognize others through an empathetic lens, and to have the self-awareness to respond to situations in an appropriate and clear manner. Emotional intelligence is a spectrum that is ever evolving, and even being cognizant of its existence and importance that it plays in life is a massive step in the right direction of becoming the most elevated, perceptive individual that one is able to be.