Learn How to Be More Intelligent

When we hear the word intelligence, we usually imagine mental functions such as perception, or the ability to receive and keep information. We also think of someone with an exceptional memory and an innate ability to store data in the brain. But hardly ever do we hear about emotional intelligence and the need to develop it. There is no doubt that emotional intelligence plays an important role in our feelings, especially in our psychological functioning when we face difficult situations in life.

Emotional intelligence allows us to be more attentive to our feelings, to understand what others are feeling, tolerate pressures and frustrations of daily life and eventually opens up a world of possibilities so that we may develop in various areas, whether on a personal level, career or social.

Different theories about emotional intelligence have been developed by several psychologists. The well-known psychologist Daniel Goleman identifies five domains of EQ as:

1. Knowing your emotions.
2. Managing your own emotions.
3. Motivating yourself.
4. Recognizing and understanding other people’s emotions.
5. Managing relationships, i.e., managing the emotions of others.

By developing these domains, according to Goleman, we can become more productive and successful at what we do, and help others to be more productive and successful too.

Mastering our emotions can improve our physical and mental health. At work, this could improve productivity at the company where we work. But this is not easy. We all know this is a process that requires dedication, effort and above all a lot will.
When we are interacting with others it is important to analyze whether we are expressing our emotions well or whether we are inhibiting them, if we are making decisions in times of crisis or hope to be more relaxed to make some determinations. Being able to recognize when and how to act correctly at times is also part of the development of emotional intelligence.

For many emotional intelligence can determine how people relate to each other and how they understand the world. The power impulse control, self-awareness, self-motivation, confidence and enthusiasm is something that is closely linked to the level of emotional intelligence that an individual can own.

To better understand this concept it is necessary to define the term emotion. We can find in any dictionary defining the term emotion as “an affective state of consciousness in which joy, sorrow, fear, hate, or the like, is experienced, as distinguished from cognitive and volitional states of consciousness.” Now, if we look for the definition of intelligence, we can see that it is “the capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity; aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, facts, meanings, etc.” If we take these two words and apply them in our daily lives, the results would clearly allow us to have control over emotions in many instances and situations. The key word here is control. It is that the loss of control due to lack of having an emotional intelligence what leads many to live an unhealthy life and often times full of frustrations.

Feeling scared, anxious, sad, worried, stressed, etc. and not knowing how to deal with these feelings is what results in emotional distress and consequently have serious consequences. This is why the person needs to be emotionally intelligent in order to overcome such feelings and become stronger psychologically. Seek professional help to strengthen your emotional intelligence to live a healthy life.

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