There’s a vast gap between being emotionally intelligent and just going through the motions.

Emotional intelligence is about understanding your feelings, empathizing with others, and making thoughtful decisions. But how do you do that?

Well, emotionally intelligent people have specific habits they practice daily. These habits don’t just come naturally; they’re cultivated and nurtured.

So, why do they bother? I’m here to tell you the eight reasons why smart folks make these habits part of their daily routine. You might just learn something valuable along the way.

1) Self-awareness

Emotionally intelligent people have a knack for understanding their emotions. But it’s not by accident.

Self-awareness is a daily practice for them, as fundamental as brushing their teeth or eating breakfast. They consistently take time to check in with themselves and acknowledge their feelings.

Why? Because they understand that emotions are a compass, guiding us towards what matters and away from what doesn’t. Ignoring them is like trying to navigate without a map.

It’s not always easy, of course. Confronting our feelings can be uncomfortable, even painful. But emotionally intelligent people know that it’s worth the discomfort.

Their commitment to self-awareness helps them make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and live more authentically. It’s not just a habit for them – it’s a way of life.

2) Active Listening

I can’t stress enough how crucial active listening is to emotional intelligence. I’ve seen its effects firsthand.

There was a time when I thought I was a good listener. But I often found myself planning my responses while others were still speaking. The result? I missed out on key details and didn’t fully understand their perspectives.

So, I decided to practice active listening – really focusing on the speaker, not interrupting, and reflecting back what I heard. It took some effort, especially in heated conversations, but it was a game-changer.

Now, people feel understood when they talk to me. It’s improved my relationships – both personal and professional – immensely.

Active listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about understanding the underlying emotions and meanings. It takes practice, but emotionally intelligent people know it’s worth the effort. They make it a daily habit because it helps them connect with others on a deeper level.

3) Empathy

Empathy is more than just understanding another person’s perspective. It’s about sharing their feelings.

Did you know that witnessing someone else’s emotional state can trigger the same emotions in us? This phenomenon, known as emotional contagion, is believed to be an integral part of empathy.

Emotionally intelligent people harness this natural human ability. They make a conscious effort to put themselves in others’ shoes, not just to understand their experiences, but to feel what they’re feeling.

This habit of practicing empathy helps them build stronger relationships. It also aids in conflict resolution, as they can anticipate and respond to the emotional needs of others. But perhaps most importantly, it cultivates a sense of compassion and kindness – qualities that can make our world a better place.

4) Mindfulness

Mindfulness is not just a buzzword, it’s a powerful practice that emotionally intelligent people incorporate into their daily routines.

Mindfulness is the act of being fully present in the moment, free from distraction or judgment, with a soft and open mind.

It’s not about emptying the mind or achieving a state of eternal calm. Rather, it’s about paying attention to what’s happening around you and within you, right here and right now.

Emotionally intelligent people understand that by practicing mindfulness, they can better manage their emotions, reduce stress, enhance performance, and gain insight and awareness.

So they make it a habit to take a few moments each day to sit in silence, breathe deeply, and simply be. Whether it’s while drinking their morning coffee or during a lunch break stroll, they find moments to tune in and connect with the present.

5) Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can have a profound impact on our well-being. Emotionally intelligent people know this, and they make it a habit to practice gratitude every day.

Rather than taking things for granted, they appreciate the good in their lives – big or small. They recognize that even on the toughest days, there’s always something to be grateful for.

This isn’t just about saying thank you. It’s about truly feeling it. It’s about seeing the world through a lens of appreciation and acknowledging the positive aspects of life.

This practice keeps them grounded, helps them maintain a positive outlook, and fosters a sense of contentment. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the beauty and goodness in life, even amidst challenges and hardships.

Gratitude is more than just a habit, it’s a way of life for emotionally intelligent individuals.

6) Self-care

In a world that never stops, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to take care of ourselves. I’ve been there, overworking and neglecting my needs, only to end up exhausted and unproductive.

Emotionally intelligent people understand the importance of self-care. They know that to be their best selves, they need to treat their bodies and minds with respect.

It’s not about indulgence or being selfish. It’s about recognizing that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

So they make it a habit to engage in activities that nourish them physically, emotionally, and mentally. It could be a walk in the park, a relaxing bath, or just some quiet time with a good book.

Self-care is more than just a habit for these individuals; it’s an essential component of their daily routine.

7) Constructive Feedback

Feedback can be a tough pill to swallow, especially when it’s not what we want to hear. But emotionally intelligent people understand its value.

They make it a habit to seek feedback regularly, not just during annual reviews or after big projects. They ask for it, listen to it, and most importantly, act on it.

Constructive feedback helps them identify their blind spots and improve. It’s an opportunity for growth, a chance to learn, and a way to continuously better themselves.

This habit might feel uncomfortable at times, but the rewards are undeniable. Emotionally intelligent people know this and welcome feedback as a tool for personal and professional development.

8) Emotional Regulation

Emotions are a natural part of being human. We all experience joy, sadness, anger, fear, and more. But how we manage these emotions can make a world of difference.

Emotionally intelligent people make it a daily habit to regulate their emotions. They don’t suppress their feelings, but they also don’t let them control their actions.

They understand that while they can’t always control what they feel, they can control how they respond to those feelings.

This emotional regulation helps them maintain balance, make rational decisions, and react appropriately even in the face of adversity. It’s the cornerstone of emotional intelligence and a key to living a balanced and fulfilling life.

Final thoughts: Emotional intelligence is a journey

The essence of emotional intelligence lies not in the destination, but in the journey.

Every day presents a new opportunity to practice these habits and cultivate our emotional intelligence. It’s not necessarily about mastering them, but about embracing them as part of our daily lives.

Whether it’s becoming more self-aware, practicing active listening, empathizing with others, being present through mindfulness, expressing gratitude, taking care of ourselves, seeking feedback, or regulating our emotions – each habit brings us a step closer to becoming emotionally intelligent individuals.

These habits aren’t just routines. They’re conscious choices that can enhance our relationships, improve our decision-making, and ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life.

So as we go about our day, let’s remember to pause and reflect on these habits. Because the journey towards emotional intelligence begins with a single step, taken one day at a time.