How aware are you of your emotions? Can you accurately identify an emotion for how you feel as they happen?

Although my kids would say I don't have emotions, I do tend to be very aware of my emotions. My problem is, I don't always opt to adjust. While satisfying, it isn't very productive behavior. I remember a time I was very frustrated with my new boss, couldn't believe how he was talking at me. I was immediately angry and knew it, yet I wasn't willing to adjust. Let's just say, the meeting didn't end well.

Having high emotional intelligence means that you are skilled at spotting your emotions and are able to use them to your benefit. Studies show that only 36% of people evaluated were able to accurately identify their emotions as they happen. This means that two-thirds of people let their emotions control them, this is according to the book, Emotional Intelligence 2.0.

There are several components to emotional intelligence, self-awareness is the first. You must first be aware of your emotions before you can change or control them to your benefit. Incidentally, having a high level of self-awareness is a strong predictor of overall success. Creating awareness is a continuous process that requires you to check in with yourself frequently to consider how you are perceived by others, how your thoughts and actions are driven by your prior experiences, and how well you are able to identify the feeling / emotion you are experiencing. Once you have awareness, the next step is to make intentional decisions about the emotions you are experiencing.

Did you know that your thoughts drive your emotions and actions? And, your thoughts are determined by your life experiences, or your "world view". Everything we experience in life, our relationships, how and where we were raised, things we experienced, etc. all create the lens in which we view the world. The good news is, you have the ability to change your thoughts. When you change your thoughts you change your emotions and ultimately your actions. Pretty cool!

Are you familiar with The Law of Attraction - Energy Attracts Like Energy?

The basic premise of the Law of Attraction is that like energy attracts like energy. You attract to yourself that which you project, not that which you long for or even deserve. The energy you give out is based on your mental attitude, which itself is determined by your thoughts and beliefs (your "world view"). Our own personal perceptions, beliefs and life experiences define our realities. Simply put, a positive mental attitude attracts positive experiences while a negative mental attitude attracts those conditions that we deem negative or unwanted. You Can Attract Anything You Need.

Are you interested in learning more about your Energy? I am certified to conduct the Energy Leadership Index (ELI). The ELI is an attitudinal assessment, which is based on an energy / action model. This assessment differs from personality assessments as it is not intended to label a person and have them work within that label. Instead, it measures your level of energy based on your attitude, or perception and "world view". This assessment is a great way to create self-awareness. Let me know if you are interested in learning more or in taking the assessment. 

Sign up for my blog, The CORE and receive more leadership articles like this.