Emotional Intelligence

We once thought that IQ was the magic bullet for success in life. However, this is no longer considered to be true. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) seems to be the most important factor determining how successful someone will become.

EQ and IQ

According to the work of Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence contributes an 80% to success in life. On the other hand, IQ provides the rest 20%. That is, EQ is 5 or 6 times more important than IQ.  None of them is considered fixed and permanent. But Emotional Intelligence has the greater margins for growth. In other words, EQ can be trained. Let’s check the levels of our own EQ and see how we can improve it!

Emotional Intelligence Exercise: Check your EQ

Below, there is a list of qualities, which are common in people with high EQ. Check which of those you possess and mark them from 1-10.

1. [    ] ​Self control and self discipline
2. [    ] Impulse control
3. [    ] Openness, adaptation and embracing change
4. [    ] Ability to perform under conditions of pressure
5. [    ] Good understanding of own emotions
6. [    ] Good understanding of the emotions of others
7. [    ] Awareness of strengths and weaknesses
8. [    ] Optimism
9. [    ] Self confidence
10. [    ] Good communication skills
11. [    ] Acceptance of criticism by other people
12. [    ] Disagree without causing tension
13. [    ] Offer constructive criticism
14. [    ] Initiative taking
15. [    ] Cultivate trust in relationships
16. [    ] Self motivation in order to reach goals
17. [    ] Ability to lead and influence
18. [    ] Resist prejudice
19. [    ] Decisiveness
20. [    ] Persuasion
21. [    ] Patience
22. [    ] Persistence
23. [    ] Curiosity
24. [    ] Ability to inspire others
25. [    ] Cooperate without competing
26. [    ] Teamwork
27. [    ] Maintain control in crisis situations
28. [    ] Control impatience
29. [    ] Ability to focus
30. [    ] Acceptance of defeat and failure
31. [    ] Listen before talking
32. [    ] Acceptance of our weaknesses
33. [    ] Personal and work ethics
34. [    ] Ability to neutralize toxic people
35. [    ] Give without expecting
36. [    ] Know when and feeling comfortable saying no
37. [    ] Ability to slow down, disconnect and relax
38. [    ] Quick recovery after a mistake or failure
39. [    ] Robust emotional vocabulary
40. [    ] Resist perfectionism

I have vs I want

Next, identify which skills you already have and which ones you want. Make a note of those that you score high and those you score low. Then, write them down in two separate columns, as shown in the following table:

Lock the target

Finally, let’s lock the target. Make a note of those which seem particularly appealing to you. That is, the ones you would like to see in your new version. You will also need to be clear about why you want to have them. In addition, think about the benefit of having each of them. If you know people who already have these qualities, take them as role models.

Let this new realization linger in your mind for the days to come. As long as you keep it in your radar, you will surely find the way to upgrade yourself.

Also, see the article: Gratitude Jar: Empower your gratitude muscles!

🤿 For more information, visit the blog of Daniel Goleman, author of “EQ: Why it can matter more than IQ”.