When making decisions, our emotions can either help or hinder us from making the right and useful one for our well-being.
This is because, most of the time, our emotions are what stop us from making good and informed decisions. Thus, using our emotional intelligence can be essential to help us in making decisions. Emotional intelligence allows us to monitor and control our emotions which emerge due to the situation that we find ourselves in. In addition to this, it also helps us understand the emotions of those around us.
What happens when we harness emotional intelligence?
When we use emotional intelligence to decide, we are becoming aware of what we are feeling and why we are feeling that way. We also become aware of how our decision will affect those around us. We are able to ask ourselves if the decision we take will help or hinder us in our life. An example of this is if a friend of yours tells you that they’re upset because of something you said. You have a decision here to make; you can either become defensive and argue with them, or you can choose to stay calm and understand where they are coming from. If you don’t give yourself a chance to stop and think, then you are further causing harm to your friendship.
Decisions leave an impact
Taking a decision is rarely a straightforward choice as, most of the time, decisions have an impact on the way our life is going to turn out. Due to this, we may become stuck in our heads and overthink the decision we need to take. This can cause you to miss out on the present or even the opportunity being offered. Decisions must be made promptly with the help of your emotional intelligence.
Can we make emotionless decisions?
Some people try to keep their emotions out of making a decision, but they soon come to realize that it is impossible. Thus, rather than fighting with your emotions to stay out, it is better to be aware of your emotions and use them to help you make an informed decision and reach your goals. It is not only about making the right or wrong decision but about whether you are closer or further away from reaching the goal that you have set your mind to.
Decisions are great teachers
It is also important to remember that deciding is all about trying something new, and if it doesn’t work out, you at least learn from it. It would still be a new experience that would have caused a change in your life. You can either manage to succeed or learn something by trying. Decisions can be tested to find out either what works, or what doesn’t work for you. If it doesn’t end up working for you, take a break from the decision and then choose something else.
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Mandy Brincat is a Gestalt psychotherapist who enjoys working therapeutically with adults on various issues, such as general mental health and wellbeing. She also has experience working with children with anxiety and day to day stressful problems, and on relational issues with couples.
References:
- Foster, L. D. (2022, September 28). Why Decision Making is an Emotional Intelligence Skill : Lisa D. Foster, Business Coach. Lisa D. Foster Coach. https://lisadfostercoach.com/2022/09/28/why-decision-making-is-an-emotional-intelligence-skill/
- Li, P. (2022). Emotional Regulation in Children | A Complete Guide. Parenting For Brain. Retrieved from https://www.parentingforbrain.com/self-regulation-toddler-temper-tantrums/.