Emotional intelligence can be defined as our ability to interpret emotions in a constructive way. People with lower emotional intelligence may react without properly assessing the potential consequences of their actions, often leading to unwanted outcomes. Those who have learned to process emotions in a healthier way, however, can enjoy an enhanced quality of life and better the lives of those around them as well.
When someone has high emotional intelligence, it means they’re competent in evaluating the entire range of human emotions: sadness, happiness, anger, love, anxiety, excitement, gratitude, etc. It all comes down to identifying how we and others are feeling and knowing how to proceed in accordance with our estimation.
Examples of high emotional intelligence include being able to let go of mistakes when nothing more can be done, showing empathy when a friend needs someone to support them, and embracing change when it’s time for a new chapter in your life.
Perfection may be impossible when it comes to emotional intelligence, but we should always be striving to improve, as this can only lead to a more rewarding life full of rich emotional experiences. Here are 12 quotes from some wise individuals that can help you on your journey.
Use pain as a stepping stone, not a campground.Alan Cohen
Feelings can’t be ignored, no matter how unjust or ungrateful they seem.Anne Frank
Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.Viktor Frankl
Suppressing the feelings only makes it harder to let them go. Expression is the opposite of depression.Edith Eger
Empathy does not equal agreement.Chris Voss
How you react emotionally is a choice in any situation — and those cumulative choices can make or break your chances for well-being.Judith Orloff
Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.James 1:19
You are, after all, what you think. Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slave to your emotions.Elizabeth Gilbert
It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head — it is the unique intersection of both.David Caruso
You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn’t exist anywhere except in the mind.Dale Carnegie
It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.Fyodor Dostoevsky
Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.Robert Frost
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