What’s Emotional Intelligence And Why It Is Important

I was 31.

I had just quit my job without a plan B. I was deep into research to find my next career.

But the truth is, I needed to find myself again first.

This was the beginning of a long and insightful personal development journey.

There was this one exercise I did when I was trying to reinvent myself: I asked people who knew me well what were my strengths and what words they would use to describe me.

The word “empathy” came out from every single person I interviewed.

At the time, I felt like it didn’t help me to move forward. Like, okay I’m empathetic but this doesn’t get you really far in deciding what you’re going to do next.

Well… little did I know that this skill, or I would even say this gift, was my compass to getting anything I wanted out of this life.

Now that I look back, it’s clear to me that emotional intelligence is the key to living a more meaningful life.

And not just for me… for for anyone who wants to achieve their full potential and gent the most of this life.

What is emotional intelligence?

Have you ever heard the expression “being able to read a room”? Reading a room refers to be able to sense what type of energy is emanating from a group.

At its core, emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively use our own emotions while understanding the emotions of others.

It’s the ability of perceiving the nuances of feelings, both within ourselves and in the people around us.

It’s like having a superpower that helps us understand the world around us in a heartbeat.

Or, in other words, to be able to read a room.

Why is emotional intelligence important?

I once thought I was emotionally intelligent because I was empathetic.

I was very wrong.

As much as I could read even the slightest change in someone’s feelings, I was oblivious to my own.

And how can someone make thoughtful decisions when they don’t even see their reflection in the mirror?

For so long I was burying my emotions. I was the definition of avoidance itself.

I was constantly busy. I thought I liked to be busy… but that was my only comfort zone.

But the truth is, I was simply unable to stop for a minute and ask myself what I really wanted.

Keep going was easier; I didn’t have to make any decisions; life (and other people) was deciding for me.

I couldn’t sit with my emotions. I never learned to do so in the first place… and I was scared of what would happen.

Because that was totally unknown for me.

But emotional intelligence is something that can be learned. It takes time and some help, but if I could do it, so can you.

And here are the reason why emotional intelligence is so important.

1. Self-Awareness

Emotional intelligence is like being an expert in understanding and dealing with our own emotions. You know those days when you feel all sorts of things, like happy, sad, or excited?

Emotional intelligence is your guide to figuring out why and how to handle your emotions without being overwhelmed.

Emotional intelligence begins with self-awareness. It’s about tuning into our own emotions, understanding their origins, and recognizing how they impact our thoughts and actions.

How can you change something you’re not even aware exists?

In other words, if you’re not satisfied with anything your life, a job, relationship, friendship… the first step is to acknowledge it.

Without emotional intelligence, you’ll never even pass this first step.

Knowing yourself is the first step toward creating a life that is authentic to you and filled with purpose.

Related post: 7 Reasons Why It’s Important To Know Yourself

2. Resilience and grieving

Life is a series of unpredictable events, and our ability to adapt to change depends on our resilience.

Emotional intelligence empowers us to manage our emotions in the face of challenges, preventing impulsive reactions and bringing a sense of calm even in chaos.

Growth requires change, and change is uncomfortable.

We tend to resist change because we’re scared to step out of our comfort zone. Which is totally normal – having a sense of certainty helps to regulate stress.

But change is inevitable. The people who navigate change with the most ease are the most emotionally intelligent people.

3. Empathy and Connecting with others

Emotional intelligence is the secret sauce for stronger friendships. It’s like having a superpower that lets us understand how our friends feel.

It’s all about saying, “I totally get you, and I’m here for you!” This magic touch makes our friendships more meaningful.

If there’s one thing I learned though my self-development journey, it’s that emotional intelligence is not just about self-discovery—it’s equally about understanding the emotions of others.

Empathy, a cornerstone of emotional intelligence, enables us to connect with people on a profound level.

I realized that the fulfillment I sought extended beyond my personal bubble. It was intertwined with the quality of my relationships and my ability to contribute positively to the lives of those around me.

Emotional intelligence is the key to fostering deeper, more meaningful relationships.

4. Motivation and passion

Ever had big dreams or goals?

Emotional intelligence is your guide, like having a map to your dreams. It keeps you excited and motivated, cheering yourself on just like when you play a game.

Emotional intelligence fires up the passion within you that keeps you going for these dreams.

Emotional intelligence is not just about relationships; it has an incredibly important role in driving motivation. It’s not just about setting goals; it’s about understanding the intrinsic motivations that move us forward: our ‘why’.

That’s one thing I realized in my own journey—I wasn’t just seeking the next best job or a particular lifestyle; I was pursuing a life aligned with my values and passions.

Emotional intelligence became the compass guiding me toward goals that resonated with the essence of who I am.

How? By learning to listen to my intuition.

Related posts: 26 Little Things I Do To Show Up For Myself Daily

5. Social Skills and communication

You need emotional intelligence for effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration—the pillars of healthy relationships and great leadership.

Weather you want to be a leader or a valuable team member, emotional intelligence helps talk nicely, solve problems, and make everyone feel included.

Just as self-care rituals are important for our well-being, healthy social connections is an integral part of a fulfilled life.

Conclusion: what’s emotional intelligence and why it is important

In conclusion, emotional intelligence is the key to living an authentic life.

It’ll help you to

• • listen to your intuition
  • make better decisions
  • foster healthy relationships
  • become a better friend, partner, coworker and leader

It can be learned AND increased, it simply requires a will to change, commitment and a little help.

Emotional intelligence is not just a skill; it’s a way of being—a conscious, intentional approach to living a life that resonates with the deepest chords of our humanity.

So, embrace the journey of understanding and cultivating your emotional intelligence, for it is the key to unlocking a life of true fulfillment and meaning.

To learn more in depth on the topic, this is THE #1 best seller you should get your hands on: Emotional Intelligence by Gary Coleman