Emotional intelligence is a powerful tool, and those who wield it often employ a simple psychological trick to manage their emotions and alter their perspective. Discover this technique and learn how it can transform your emotional landscape and interpersonal relationships.
Exercise emotional intelligence
Ben and Amy don’t know each other, but they’ve both just lost their jobs.
- Initially, they’re both devastated
- What am I going to do now?
- Amy takes control or her thoughts and changes her perspective
- This simple perspective shift allows her to get her emotions under control, leading her to also take control of the situation
Talk to someone
You may find yourself re-thinking your opinion as you speak
- Give someone the chance to give valuable feedback, to put on their glasses for a minute
- They help you see the situation through their eyes which can help you to reassess your own thoughts and feelings
Fill your mind with positive thoughts
Negative feelings like self-doubt and self-pity can quickly spiral out of control
- Focusing on positive thoughts can help you find balance
- Make a list of potential positive consequences from losing your job: finding a new job he enjoys more than his previous one
- Having time to reconnect with family or friends
- The chance to reassess priorities
- Motivation to try something new
How to get your emotions under control, change your perspective, and think positive
Rational thinking allows you to feel disappointment and frustration, but to a limited extent
- Change in circumstances can even lead to positive results
- Try the following to avoid becoming trapped in a cycle of negative thinking
Write it down
Put your thoughts in writing – with actual pen and paper, not just typing
- This can help you slow down, think, and re-evaluate the validity of your thoughts.
- For example, Ben may believe that he is truly unlucky and there’s no chance he’ll find another job. But the simple process of writing these thoughts can help him slow down
