Subscribe and Listen Today!Inspiring and Actionable Content Weekly from Misfit Entpreneurs
|
|
|
Dave Lukas - Lessons for Hannah410: Lessons For Hannah - Emotional Intelligence
Hello Misfit Nation! Welcome to another edition of "Lessons for Hannah!" Many years ago, I introduced a new format that alongside our regular episodes called “Lessons for Hannah.” Hannah is my daughter and one of the main inspirations for the Misfit Entrepreneur. I wanted to have a place where she could go and learn from her daddy and his Misfit friends throughout her life….even after I am gone. If you haven’t listened to the first episode of "Lessons for Hannah," I urge you to as it gives some more background and tells the amazing story of how Hannah came to be in our lives. Lessons for Hannah are short, very useful, and sometimes comical lessons, that I want to share with you and give to Hannah to help in your lives. Because I want Hannah to have these for her life, I’m going to speak as though I am talking directly to her. These episodes are a lot of fun and if you think there is a lesson that we should include in these episodes, please don’t hesitate to send it over to us at [email protected]. We’d love to share it. This week’s Lesson for Hannah Hannah, I want to talk to you about an important skillset that you will need to develop now and as you grow older. It’s called Emotional Intelligence, or EQ for short. Emotional intelligence is just as important as regular intelligence, like doing math or reading a book. It's about understanding your own feelings and the feelings of people around you. In fact, in many cases, it may be more important than traditional intelligence! Here is an easy way to understand it. Imagine you have a toolbox. Regular intelligence helps you solve problems, like using a hammer or a screwdriver. Emotional intelligence adds more tools to your toolbox, like understanding why you're feeling upset or how to make a friend feel better when they're sad. These tools can help you in all sorts of situations. A question you may have is why is it important to understand and know about feelings? We all have feelings. In fact, feelings for most people are what drive their actions, so when you learn to understand and recognize feelings in others and in yourself, it helps you to make better decisions and choice. When you understand your emotions, you can manage them better. For example, if you're feeling really angry because you lost a game or had something bad happen to you, recognizing that emotion can help you take a deep breath and calm down instead of getting upset. Understanding your emotions helps you make better decisions too. If you're feeling sad or frustrated, it might not be the best time to make a big decision, like whether to start a new project or how to solve a tricky problem. By waiting until you're calmer, you can think more clearly and make better choices. And I suggest that is where you start. First, learn to recognize your feelings and emotions and better manage them in your life. And even more important, learn to choose when to change those feelings and emotions to create the best outcome. This is where developing the skill comes in over time. As you do it and more and more, it gets easier and becomes almost automatic. But, what about understanding other people’s feelings? Understanding other people's feelings is called empathy. Imagine your friend is sad because they didn't do well on a test. If you can see they're upset and you talk to them kindly, it can make them feel better. Empathy helps you build stronger friendships and help people when in need. For example, if you notice a friend sitting alone at lunch and looking down, you can go over and sit with them. Ask them how they're doing and if they want to talk about what's bothering them. Just showing that you care can make a huge difference to someone. Ok, so not that you have an idea what EQ is and how to recognize it in yourself and in others, how can you start using it in your life right now? 1. At School: If you see a classmate who looks lonely or sad, you can ask them if they want to play with you. This shows empathy and can make someone's day better. You can also use EQ during group projects by listening to everyone's ideas and helping the group work together smoothly. 2. With Friends: If you have a disagreement with a friend, use your EQ to understand their point of view. It helps you find a solution without getting into a big fight. For instance, if your friend wants to play a different game than you do, try to understand why and find a way to compromise. 3. At Home: If you notice that Mom or I seem stressed, maybe you can help out with a small chore or just give us a hug. Little things like that show you care and understand. If you notice a family member is upset, you can ask them what’s wrong and offer to help. As you grow and put utilizing EQ into practice, you will find it helpful in all areas of life. Here are a few examples: 1. In Your Career: People with high EQ tend to be better leaders. They can motivate others and handle stress well. If you're good at understanding people's emotions, you can work well in a team and lead others effectively. Imagine you're working on a big project at your job. If you can stay calm under pressure and support your teammates when they're stressed, you'll all work better together and get the project done successfully. 2. In Relationships: Good relationships are built on understanding and trust. EQ helps you communicate better and resolve conflicts, whether it's with friends, family, or even future coworkers. For example, in a future relationship, being able to talk openly about your feelings and listen to the other person's feelings will help you both understand each other better and strengthen your bond. 3. Personal Growth: Understanding your emotions helps you set goals and stay motivated. If you know what makes you happy or what stresses you out, you can make better choices for your life and wellbeing. For instance, if you know that spending time outdoors makes you feel good, you can make sure to include outdoor activities in your routine. Hannah, learning to understand and use emotional intelligence really is a superpower that a lot of people never put to work for them. It will help you in so many areas of your life. Remember, it's okay to feel all kinds of emotions. The important part is recognizing them and understanding how to use them positively. Keep practicing empathy, managing your feelings, and being aware of others' emotions. You’re already on a great path to mastering your EQ. To help you remember, here are a few tips:
I love you, Dad 
Don't Miss Even More Resources to Help You Each Week. Click Here and Subscribe to the Misfit Minute!
Best Quote
|
|
Show Sponsors
|
