Emotional intelligence is an effectively intangible trait, yet its effects couldn’t be more relevant. `

In fact, 90% of top performers have outstanding emotional intelligence.

Some tests offer scientific, quantifiable data to access emotional intelligence (EQ), but such tests usually come at a cost. Instead, here are surefire behaviors, pointing in the direction of high or exceptional EQ:

1. You can label your emotions.

Emotionally intelligent individuals can accurately label and express their emotions. This is a handy tool when you’re feeling confused or distraught over one thing or another.

It’s also helpful for other parties involved, as you’re able to come to a resolution or solve a problem more easily.

Labeling your emotions can also help you understand yourself better, so you can overcome or avoid unpleasant emotions more aptly in the future.

2. You maintain a genuine interest in other people.

You’re not of the “me, me, me” mindset — you’re interested in how you can support others. The community is a big deal for you, whether in your business or personal life.

One way you show your interest in others is by keeping up with your colleagues and peers via their business endeavors.

If you notice an opportunity to connect two peers who can benefit from one another, you’ll be the first to jump at the chance. You understand the power in numbers and how rewarding it is to support others.

3. You embrace your strengths AND weaknesses.

You know what you’re good at and you’re not shy about leveraging those skills to your advantage. On the flip side, you’re also well aware of your shortcomings, AND you embrace them.

In fact, you constantly seek methods to improve your pain points or opportunities to collaborate with others to make up for them. Humility and modesty are among your greatest attributes.

4. You can intuitively read and understand others.

Not only do you connect well with others, you truly understand them. You have a keen awareness of the needs of others, as well as how they can be resolved.

You are an active listener and read between the lines to understand the core of another’s message.

5. You have thick skin.

You’re not discouraged by criticism or nay-sayers. If someone has a bad word to say about you, you’re able to take it with a grain of salt and identify how viable said comment truly is.

At the same time, you have no problem absorbing another’s opinion and learning from them, but ultimately they won’t cause you to lose sleep or second guess yourself.

6. You’re not afraid of making mistakes.

In fact, you view mistakes as the cornerstone of true growth and learning. This is likely because you’ve made mistakes and plenty of them.

The result has been an enthusiastic desire to learn from those mistakes and always be better next time.

7. You give generously.

You give without the expectation of receiving something in return. The act of giving is a gift in itself.

8. You forgive.

You don’t hold grudges. If someone does you wrong, you seek to resolve the matter and put it behind you. When someone is truly sorry, your pride doesn’t get in the way of offering true forgiveness.

This ability is beneficial in equal parts to yourself as to others. Carrying resentments and grudges does not serve you, and you’re well aware of it!

9. You surround yourself with positive influence.

While you’re able to accept the perspectives of naysayers, who know not to include them in your life — at least not significantly.

Instead, you surround yourself with others who will bolster your creative energies, self-esteem, and ambition.

Your friends, peers, and colleagues are as ambitious and successful as you are, and this is no great coincidence. You feed off the inspiration of others and rejoice in their successes as if they were your own.

10. You do not seek perfection.

Perfection is a ruse, and you know it. You constantly seek to be your best self, not your “perfect” self. Being human means to be imperfect and that’s fine by you.

11. You’re grateful.

The glass is always half full. You recognize your many blessings: family, friends, your health and the wellbeing of others.

Sure, there are days where nothing seems to be going right, or you simply want more out of life, but all in all, you’re satisfied and grateful for what you’ve accomplished and been blessed with.

12. You regularly unplug.

You work hard and rest hard. When the day winds down, your devices shut off. You have no problem separating business and private life and wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity to do so.

Bedtime means no electronics or “blue light” distractions and the weekends or days off are reserved for much-deserved relaxation.

13. You nip negative self-talk in the bud.

We all have those days, where our biggest critic is the one residing in our heads. When the devil on your shoulder starts singing of your shortcomings, you’re quick to quiet the negative talk.

Negative self-talk is retaliated against with positive affirmations and kind reassurances. In tough times, you are your greatest cheerleader.

14. No one can stop you from achieving your dreams and finding happiness.

You are unstoppable. You are determined to live a happy and fulfilling life — you are the master of your own happiness.

When you feel pleased or satisfied with a goal you’ve accomplished no amount of criticism can tarnish your happiness.

Emotionally intelligent individuals feel no need or desire to compare themselves to others; their only true competition is themselves.

So, are motivated to improve your emotional intelligence, and become a better writer and business owner?

If you’re not feeling motivated to accomplish your goals, we’d sure love to help you get there!

Get in touch to discuss how we can bring greater motivation and productivity to your life.

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