Emotional Intelligence | What You Need to Know
Written by Angie Sanchez, Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (INHC)
As an integrative health coach + emotional intelligence educator for the past five years, I am insanely passionate about empowering + educating others in paving their own way to optimal health through discovery + cultivation of emotional intelligence—known as EQ. My firm belief is that strengthening your EQ is the gateway to fulfilling relationships + to winning at life because no one is able to fully understand themselves and others + why they function the way they do. My mission + what I am notoriously known for is helping you get your mind right so that your circumstances stop owning you.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) has nothing to do with IQ, which is what traditional schooling is all about. Emotional intelligence, unfortunately not taught in school, is defined as the awareness of your own feelings and emotions + the feelings and emotions of those around you--and then using them to guide your thoughts, actions, and behaviors. Essentially, it’s being responsible for your feelings and emotions + how you show up. With the strengthening + cultivation of EQ, you begin to understand the nature of emotions, what they mean, how they work, how to process them, how to manage them, and how to even use them as leverage. Now, why is this important? If you are in any sort of relationship (personal, professional, familial, with yourself, etc.), having emotional intelligence is the only way to know how to effectively respond vs. react, be above your circumstances so that they don't overpower you, practice empathy + truly understand another, navigate through conflict, be solutions-oriented, and have sustainable + meaningful relationships.
The way we deal with our emotions shapes everything that matters: our actions, careers, relationships, health, and happiness. Our emotions are the determining factor of how our lives essentially play out. BEING intelligent has nothing to do with ACTING intelligently at all. No matter how smart someone is, if they don’t learn how to ACT intelligently, their outcomes will not be positive, nor conducive for that matter. Bridging that gap is becoming emotionally intelligent. Moreover, one cannot be effective + precise without emotional intelligence.
Unfortunately, none of this is taught in traditional schooling, which is why hiring a coach + investing in your own personal development is absolutely crucial. No matter what stage of life you are in. Without a doubt, at some point in your life, it is both smart + wise to invest in some sort of coach.
If you are starting or already own a business, you need a coach. If you are an employee or work for someone else, you need a coach. If you are in relationship with even just one other person, you need a coach. If you deal with challenges + conflict, you need a coach. To be held accountable, have an objective set of eyes, and to level up--you need a coach. Not only do you benefit from having one, but so does your immediate environment. They, too, become impacted by you being better. You do become better for them, which is why I always stress the importance of investing in coaching for those you love + those who rely on you as well.
I, essentially, became what I needed a decade ago in my early 20's when I was so lost + suffering from depression. I became what closed the gap, filled the void, fulfilled the missing link, connected the dots, and built the bridge. Coaches are this missing link. Go get yourself one sooner rather than later. Your emotional wellness + quality of life depends on it.