Transformative Emotional Intelligence (TEI): Personal Growth and Positive Change

Choices, decisions, and problem-solving involve beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. We’ve often stated: How you think is more important than what you think. There’s a world of difference in learning to be reflective versus reactive. Research, study, and experience guided us in discovering. 

Learning Important Lessons

When we are reactive and impulsive in thinking, we tend to become overwhelmed too often and react to stress pressure. We become emotionally driven in behavior with too much emotion (anger, fear, sadness). We begin to doubt ourselves, become deficit-weakness-focused, and resistant to change. There’s a tendency to become too aggressive or deferring rather than learning assertive communication. Performance decreases under too much stress. We may not recognize the effects of stress until later. We may become pessimistic, sarcastic, and negative. We may rely on quick, impulsive habits developed easily. Sadly, we tend to repeat the same mistakes and not learn from experience. 

We Can Do Better

Now, good news. We build resilience when we learn to reflect, think constructively, and develop emotional intelligence skills. We are more proactive with planned, learned, skills-based responses to stress pressure. We strive to practice more intentional, purposeful, reflective behaviors and actions. Self-confidence is achieved with skills, awareness, reflection, and genuine self-esteem. Focusing on strengths is more favorable than focusing on weaknesses. We are more flexible, adaptable, open to change and learn the value of communicating assertively with empathy.

The Practice of Reflection.

Despite its diminishing returns in clarity and utility, the frenzy for more data highlights a critical paradox. While data can inform and guide, its abundance does not inherently reduce risk but transfers it, complicating decision-making. The reward and penalty system, illustrated through the disparity in human reaction to losing $1 versus $1,000, showcases the non-linear perception of value and risk, urging a reevaluation of how data is utilized and interpreted is critical in achieving TEI Leadership and Performance Excellence.

With reflection, constructive thinking, transformative EI growth, performance improvement, benchmarks, and goals become clear. We focus more on viewing stress as natural motivation. We are more hopeful, optimistic, and positive in our daily life work. Personal, emotional, and relational life skills help develop positive habits to guide our day. We learn more from experience and work with others.

Experiential learning involves reflection, constructive thinking, and emotional skills. Question: Why don’t we teach more of this in schools, education at all levels, and organization human development programs? Person-centered learning is not just a good idea. It’s a viable policy, program, and strategy to achieve more success in life, health, wellness, and well-being. Enjoy your day, each day.   

Permission and note: Adapted from Teaching and Learning Excellence (2015)