Emotional Intelligence Quotient, or EQi, has become the standard to predict work success. Decades of research indicates that EQi trumps IQ and can be improved through awareness, knowledge and accountability. Several factors measured by EQi relate to resilience: flexibility, stress tolerance and optimism.
Two are exceptionally important to the development of resilience: happiness and optimism. Happiness is a popular subject, judging from the number of books and articles written on the subject. As good as that sounds, happiness is a transient feeling while optimism is more of a permanent outlook toward the future and grounded upon the choices made.
Unfortunately, studies show women to be less resilient. The good news, however, is that resiliency can be enhanced. Most feel less resilient in their work lives if they sense a lack of control over their circumstances or future.
Developing a can-do attitude, based on recollection of past success, and coupled with thankfulness, can significantly increase overall optimism and resilience. So where do you start?
- Try writing out a list of to-dos and working on them one at a time. Take large projects and break them into smaller parts so you sense progress as they are completed. This, in turn, gives a sense of control and accomplishment.
- End your work day with writing down three things that went well. Include: 1) what specifically was “good,” 2) what you felt as a result and 3) what your part was in the “good thing.” You will be amazed at the lift this will give you after a week or so.
- Choose personal improvement over reality TV. When you set the goals around areas of interest, you are in control and are more apt to be successful. While I ignored my own self-improvement for years, I feel empowered when I set goals to increase my exercise regimen by one additional day per week and to read two non-fiction books per month.
Developing new habits that support your feelings of wellbeing and optimism are important. Stick with them and you will see amazing and positive changes.
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