According to Daniel Goldman, in order to become more emotionally intelligent it is first important to become more self-aware.
Self-awareness is the ability to reflect on one’s own life, grow in self-knowledge and then use that knowledge to make changes.
When we take stock of our lives, by slowing down to consider our actions, thoughts and feelings (and their consequences) we gain important information. Further insight can be gained by asking for honest feedback from those around us.
Research seems to indicate that on our journey to become more self-aware, it is important to keep a positive attitude. It is very demotivating to concentrate on what is not working, rather than on what is working. Constantly thinking about our weaknesses, rather than our strengths, can be very demoralizing.
I believe it is vital to keep a balanced view when we honestly look at ourselves, by not dismissing our weaknesses entirely. I also believe that if we build on our strengths and on what is working for us, we can have a more enjoyable and more satisfying ride on our way to where we want to go. It is so much easier to build on active positive momentum, than to halt a downward slide.
When we decide to spend more time doing what we love and what comes easily to us, rather than trying to stop what is not working, some of what is not working naturally falls away. We also feel better and have more energy to deal with some of our other weaknesses in a kinder, more compassionate way.
An old saying goes, energy grows where our focus flows. I believe that is true. By focusing on our true strengths, and capitalisiing on those, life can become more of what we want it to be.