What if, instead of asking “How are you doing?”, we started our day asking, “How are you feeling?”

It’s a small shift—but one that invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves.

The Mood Meter: A Daily Check-In

 

Think of a “mood meter”—a way to measure both your emotional state and your energy level. Are you in the yellow zone (pleasant with high energy), or perhaps the blue (low energy, low mood)?

Do you shift between zones throughout the day—from the calm green of your morning tea to the red frustration of traffic?

We experience hundreds—if not thousands—of emotions every single day. But how many do we notice?

The truth is: emotions shape our thoughts, behaviors, decisions, and relationships. Yet, we often move through life unaware of how they steer us. Emotional Intelligence (EI) helps us bring light to those unseen forces and use them to create a more balanced, connected, and fulfilling life.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

At its heart, Emotional Intelligence is the ability to:

•Recognize and understand emotions in ourselves and others

•Use that awareness to manage our behavior, choices, and relationships

There are five key components that define emotional intelligence. Let’s explore how you can begin practicing each of them—starting today.

1. Self-Awareness

Knowing what you’re feeling, and why, is the first step.

Years ago, I was introduced to a powerful emotional vocabulary: joy, gratitude, hope, inspiration, awe, love. Understanding these feelings—and learning to pause and name them—was a game-changer. When I felt a strong emotion, I practiced taking a mindful pause and asked myself, “What am I feeling right now?” Naming it—whether it was stress, joy, or overwhelm—gave me a sense of clarity and control. That one small shift helped me respond with intention, instead of reacting on autopilot.

Take a breath. Ask yourself: How am I feeling right now?

2. Self-Management

This is about regulating your responses—not ignoring emotions, but not letting them control you either.

A simple breathing practice helps:
Rest. Recognize. Return.
Rest your attention on your breath.
Recognize when your mind wanders or emotions spike.
Return to the breath, with kindness.

💡 This one technique alone can quiet the noise of “Radio NST—Non-Stop Thinking.”

You can also manage your energy by:

• Listening to music that lifts your mood
• Going for a calming walk
• Repeating a joyful activity that fuels positive emotion
• Practicing gratitude (write down 3 things daily!)

3. Self-Motivation

Self-motivation isn’t about hype—it’s about vision.

It’s the quiet confidence to say: “I can do this.”
Even when you don’t feel ready. Especially then.

For me, it started with one simple choice: joining a 5AM running club to reclaim my health. One mile, one meal, one decision at a time—I lost 20 pounds and gained a mindset that rippled into every other part of my life.

Use affirmations. Visualize success. Get into the flow—those moments when you’re fully immersed in something you love. These create momentum.

4. Social Awareness

Empathy is a secret power. It transforms how we connect.

The next time you meet someone, let your first thought be:
“I wish for this person to be happy.”

This small habit fosters trust, strengthens communication, and nurtures truly meaningful relationships.

And remember: emotions are contagious. So is kindness.

5. Relationship Management

Emotional intelligence helps us show up better for others—and for ourselves.

Great leaders don’t just get things done—they get them done with heart.
As Meng Tan, founder of Google’s mindfulness program, said:

“Leadership is not an affair of the head. It’s an affair of the heart.”

Whether you’re leading a team, nurturing a family, or working with friends—focus on compassion, connection, and listening.

Final Reflection

Emotional intelligence is a practice. One breath, one moment, one choice at a time.

You can empower your mind by doing small, simple things every day.
And an unhappy mind is often created by not doing those simple, joyful things.

So today, I leave you with this:

💬 “You are not at the mercy of your emotions. You are the master of your awareness.”

That awareness? That’s your superpower.
Use it wisely. Grow it daily.
And watch your world transform.

“Emotional intelligence isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of living, leading, and loving with clarity and compassion.”
— Bindu Chintha