Practicing high emotional intelligence isn’t always easy.
There can be several barriers that can make connection and communication a challenge.
What are some of those barriers?
Our emotions.
Our traumas.
Our disabilities.
Our biases.
For example, when angry, we often see red, not the whole picture. This can have us reacting harshly and impulsively.
When we’ve experienced trauma, we often move in survival mode, which leaves us wary and distrustful.
Some physical disabilities can make it difficult to read emotions in others. And neurodivergence can sometimes negatively impact emotional clarity.
Biases don’t allow for the cultivation of healthy and safe interactions.
The good news is that when we increase our self-awareness, the more we can improve our EQ.
It helps us to slow down and practice the pause.
We can ask ourselves these questions:
“Are my emotions controlling me, or am I controlling them?”
“What’s triggering me right now?”
“Is this person really upset with me?”
“Am I pre-judging this person because of a stereotype?”
Curiosity helps you to assess your thoughts and emotions.
It also helps you be inquisitive and ask clarifying questions so that you can have a better understanding of what is taking place.
Far too often, we react to what we perceive is happening based on the stories we tell ourselves.
This impedes our empathy and ability to communicate effectively.
But this is why I say practicing high EQ isn’t always easy—because it takes practice.
Practice slowing down.
Practice checking yourself (before you wreck yourself)
Practice responding and not reacting.
Practice asking more questions.
I hope you take more time to practice.