How to Leverage Emotional Intelligence for Personal Well-Being
Did you know that your emotional intelligence (EI) plays a pivotal role in your overall well-being? Research has shown that individuals with higher EQ (emotional quotient) scores tend to experience better mental health, stronger relationships, and increased success in both personal and professional spheres.
Recent studies, such as those using the EQ-i 2.0 assessment, have illuminated the profound connection between emotional intelligence and well-being. This assessment not only helps us understand our own EQ but also provides valuable insights into areas for growth. By nurturing our EI, we can enhance our self-awareness, manage stress more effectively, and foster more harmonious connections with those around us. Remember, cultivating emotional intelligence is not just a personal development journey; it's a pathway to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
When it comes to our personal well-being, I think we can often get into this rut where we don't feel like we have any control. Typical thoughts might sound like, "I can't control the way I feel." or "It is what it is." Sometimes (me included) we feel a bit helpless in moving the needle on our well-being. Yet, as I've studied well-being over the last few years, I've found that we really do have a lot of control over our well-being. Much more so than I would have thought prior to exploring this topic further.
What if you have never taken an assessment, though, but still wanted to leverage EI to focus on your well-being? What might you look at to determine your well-being or what areas might you work on to increase your well-being?
There are four areas that might be a good place to start. Quickly assessing each of these areas can help you gauge where there might be gaps in an area of your well-being. Take a minute and rate yourself in each of these areas, using a scale of one to five. One equals "Not good at all" and five equals "Exceptional".
Self-Regard
Self-regard is like self-respect on steroids. You not only respect yourself, but you’re also aware of both your strengths and limitations. In spite of the limitations, you accept yourself. If you’re high in self-regard, you have a high level of inner strength and are known to be self-confident. If you have a well-developed sense of self-regard, you are more apt to feel fulfilled and satisfied.
If your self-regard is low, in what ways might you increase it? One way is to know what you're good at. If you've never done a CliftonStrengths test, they're available through Amarillo College. (Reach out to will.ratliff@actx.edu to find out more.) There's also a free test from well-known strengths guru, Marcus Buckingham at Love+Work. Knowing your strengths and finding ways to infuse them into your daily work and life is a great way to increase your self-regard.
Interpersonal Relationships
This emotional intelligence skill refers to one’s ability to develop and maintain social relationships that are meaningful and rewarding where those feelings are mutual. If you’re satisfied with your personal and professional relationships, and you find social exchanges easy and comfortable, it’s possible you’re high in this EI skill.
If you feel like you may be low in this area, what are some things you could do to cultivate better relationships? Who could you invite to lunch or coffee? Where might you meet new people or get involved in community activities to feel more connected with others?
Optimism
Those high in optimism have a positive outlook on life despite challenges and obstacles. This hopeful approach to life enhances one’s resilience and their overall experience of daily living. If you’re high in optimism, you may also be high in gratitude or even have a regular gratitude practice. You find hope among life’s ups and downs and tend to be more resilient than others.
If you feel like the glass is more half-empty than half-full, what areas might you take a more hopeful approach in? How might you establish a daily practice of gratitude to increase your optimism?
Self-Actualization
Self-actualization refers to someone who is consistently trying to improve themselves, set and achieve goals, and engage in enjoyable and meaningful long-term pursuits. Those people high in self-actualization take a lifelong approach to maximizing strengths, talents, and abilities.
In what areas might you become more self-actualized? Maybe it's picking up an old hobby or starting a new one. It could be reading a book or taking a class (ahem, hello AC Continuing Education!)
How did you rate yourself on each of these areas? What area needs the most improvement? If you knew you were going to be successful at moving the needle on one of these areas, what would you try? What is stopping you? Let's embark on this journey together, and prioritize our emotional intelligence and these four skills to achieve greater well-being and success!
