S1E34 - Bridging the Gap

We all have gaps. Gaps in our awareness of others’ feelings, in how we communicate or don’t communicate, or in the many ways we don’t measure up particularly in dealing with people. Our emotional intelligence allows us to navigate through life and difficult times and, as such, the topic of emotional intelligence is one of great importance. McKay enlightens us on the subject today and how we can bridge the gaps many of us tend to have in our emotional lives.

McKay starts with the story of the Golden Gate Bridge which was built despite the many apparent impossibilities and how this bridge has become a great landmark in the city of San Francisco. He likens us to this bridge - when we decide to improve our emotional intelligence, we bridge gaps that we have in our lives. Our host also discusses the impact of negative emotions and avoiding the ‘me-monster’ that neglects the views of others, and identifies some ways to strengthen our emotional quotient - bridge gaps by seeing the views of others, and show genuine interest in things that interest them. McKay finishes up by sharing his message for us all to harness the power of time, use the NIB rule - Notice, Importance, and Belonging, and watch how strength comes into our lives as a result.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

- Creating landmark moments in your life; lessons from the Golden Gate bridge

- Recognize that you have a gap

- Why does your emotional quotient matter?

- The impact of negative emotions

- How do you avoid difficult emotions?

- Ways to strengthen your EQ and bridge your gaps

- Walk in the shoes of others

- Harness the power of time

- The NIB rule

Quotes:

“There's something about us or what we're doing that needs to be overcome, and this isn't easy.”

“It's our shortfalls that are at the heart of our gaps in life. And here's the thing, bridging the gaps in our life is possible.”

“It is critical to remember that we all have gaps, we all fall short, and sometimes we need to step up and do what we think isn't possible.”

“When we overcome and become more of who we can and should be, we find landmark moments in our life.”

“A ‘me-monster’ is someone so self-absorbed that no one else matters. Someone who thinks and makes decisions out of their mood or need or perspective.”

“It's easy in life to get so focused on ourselves, that we don't see the major things going on around us, and this makes us blind to the gaps that exist in our life and with people.”

“EQ is the ability to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions. It is the ability to understand things from the view of other people, empathize with others, and overcome challenges in dealing with people and defuse conflict.”

“Success in school is 75% IQ, and 25% EQ. In life, it's exactly the opposite.”

“Every time we strengthen our emotional intelligence, we bridge a little more of the gap.”

“When you can step into another person's view with ease, and empathize with their way of thinking, and do that with a variety of people, you don't get stressed or upset or thrown off course in life because you understand others.”

“As we learn to catch our emotional reactions before we act them out, we become more self-aware and more emotionally mature.”

“EQ comes alive when you're able to become aware of the full extent of your emotions, whether positive or negative.”

“I've learned that, over time, things tend to be less important than I thought they were at the moment.”

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”

Show Links:

Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen