How to Improve your Emotional Intelligence
Words by Katherine Castillo Eustaquio
Published in Total Fitness Magazine April 2011 Issue
Naturally, women have higher emotional acuity compared to men. Living in a man’s world, she’s trained to wear many hats and she wears them well. And because these hats are often subjected to constant scrutiny and disappointments, here are some rational relationship tips on how to make your hats sturdier, if not bulletproof.
Choose your battles.
Gaining the upper hand; that’s what relationship tug-of-wars are all about. The pride of winning can push people to lose sight of who they are and what they really want but the stakes are high because you’re at a point when you can be seen as the pushover or the go-getter. Losing a fight is inevitable in every healthy relationship. Waving the white flag can even make you stronger with the lessons it brings. Moreover, choosing your battles tells a great deal of how mature you’ve become knowing that some things are just not worth your time.
Gain control.
Whining is a natural phenomenon, even healthy, as it helps release pent up emotions. But if you constantly whine about a dysfunctional relationship that has been going for almost five years, you are partly to blame. If you feel stuck, break free. If you can’t, keep trying. If something doesn’t work no matter how much you try, give an ultimatum. Just like what Oprah Winfrey said, never forget that you are responsible for your own life and stop blaming other people for your dysfunction.
Confront your fears.
Death and loss are two fears that most people can’t shake. And that’s natural. But there are people who worry about slip-ups that have yet to happen—flat tire during rush hour, your hard drive dies before a big meeting, infidelity, etc. These irrational fears only hold people back from far greater things. If you want to wave them off, you need to change the way you see them. Fear can be your friend. It can warn you when things aren’t right but never let it hinder you from making sound decisions and living life the best you can.
Change your perspective.
Emotions are, naturally, hard to control because of external factors that are beyond your power. It’s often difficult to control it; difficult, yes, but not impossible. You can manage your emotions effectively by changing your perspective first. Think of your fears as allies, little warning signals that can save you from danger. Think of anger as energy boosters that can help you overcome a tricky situation. Think of depression as a way to get to know yourself on a deeper level. The more positive your perspective, the stronger you can become mentally and emotionally.
# # #
Published in Total Fitness Magazine April 2011 Issue
Naturally, women have higher emotional acuity compared to men. Living in a man’s world, she’s trained to wear many hats and she wears them well. And because these hats are often subjected to constant scrutiny and disappointments, here are some rational relationship tips on how to make your hats sturdier, if not bulletproof.
Choose your battles.
Gaining the upper hand; that’s what relationship tug-of-wars are all about. The pride of winning can push people to lose sight of who they are and what they really want but the stakes are high because you’re at a point when you can be seen as the pushover or the go-getter. Losing a fight is inevitable in every healthy relationship. Waving the white flag can even make you stronger with the lessons it brings. Moreover, choosing your battles tells a great deal of how mature you’ve become knowing that some things are just not worth your time.
Gain control.
Whining is a natural phenomenon, even healthy, as it helps release pent up emotions. But if you constantly whine about a dysfunctional relationship that has been going for almost five years, you are partly to blame. If you feel stuck, break free. If you can’t, keep trying. If something doesn’t work no matter how much you try, give an ultimatum. Just like what Oprah Winfrey said, never forget that you are responsible for your own life and stop blaming other people for your dysfunction.
Confront your fears.
Death and loss are two fears that most people can’t shake. And that’s natural. But there are people who worry about slip-ups that have yet to happen—flat tire during rush hour, your hard drive dies before a big meeting, infidelity, etc. These irrational fears only hold people back from far greater things. If you want to wave them off, you need to change the way you see them. Fear can be your friend. It can warn you when things aren’t right but never let it hinder you from making sound decisions and living life the best you can.
Change your perspective.
Emotions are, naturally, hard to control because of external factors that are beyond your power. It’s often difficult to control it; difficult, yes, but not impossible. You can manage your emotions effectively by changing your perspective first. Think of your fears as allies, little warning signals that can save you from danger. Think of anger as energy boosters that can help you overcome a tricky situation. Think of depression as a way to get to know yourself on a deeper level. The more positive your perspective, the stronger you can become mentally and emotionally.
# # #
