What is E.Q.?

E.Q. stands for Emotional Quotient, or Emotional Intelligence. For decades we've heard about I.Q. (Intelligence Quotient). However, a brief look at history reveals that I.Q. has done little to determine how successful, peaceful, or happy our lives will be. Emotional Intelligence or E.Q. has become a much better predictor.

E.Q. deals with creating healthy self-esteem; becoming compassionate, delaying gratification, being trustworthy, building loving relationships, raising emotionally stable children, and much more.

Happiness

Do you believe you can be happy? Do you expect to be happy? Here, we will take a brief look into what happiness is, what it could be, and how you can create it, even today!

Webster's defines happiness as:
1: good fortune: prosperity
2: a state of well-being and contentment: joy; a pleasurable or satisfying experience
3: felicity, aptness.

Which meaning is closest to your expectations?

A sense of contentment is something most people want; however, an understanding of the definition of happiness obviously does not describe how we can realize happiness. Consider these core questions. Is happiness a destination or a journey? Is happiness found in having things or doing things? Is happiness a feeling or a decision? Is happiness different than pleasure? What do you think? Many of us are waiting for the day when we will really be happy. Many of us believe that we will be happy when we graduate from school, get that raise or new car; get a better job, so happiness is viewed by many as a destination.

On the flip side, some people live life quite content without placing too much importance in events or achievements- perhaps you know someone like this. For them, life seems to stay relatively peaceful by finding the joys in everyday life. Whether it is taking the time to cherish the cool breeze, smile with the setting sun, or enjoying a challenging project, some people are able to focus on the good rather than the bad, enjoying the steps along the way.

In either case, a choice is involved. You have an opportunity to let go of doubt and embrace the present moment. Do you continue to regret and replay past decisions? Do you constantly worry about the future? In general, living in the moment is largely determined by our expectations, beliefs, and standards. Our beliefs and expectations provide the lenses or standards by which we judge people, experiences, and most importantly, ourselves. We know what it's like to have expectations and to become disappointed when life presents us something not quite what we had in mind.

Fortunately, disappointment sometimes brings with it pleasant surprise. If we consistently miss our goals or find ourselves unhappy, it may be time to ask, "Am I being realistic?" In other words, are your means for attaining happiness realistic? Have you been living by the destination model of happiness? If so, have you considered why? Why wait for something you can create right now, in this moment? If you can't be happy now, what makes you think you'll be happy when you get to your goal? You may believe you are happy, but you may find that the joy doesn't last as long as you thought it would.

Interestingly, being happy is closely linked to the ability to solve difficult problems. When you overcome a challenge or difficulty you didn't think you could, this can bring you a tremendous sense of empowerment and accomplishment. For example, making it through that really tough week; passing that 'impossible' exam; figuring out how your debts would get paid, realizing that you could deal with that devastating loss, or finishing that grueling paper.

With these examples, we realize that overcoming these challenges doesn't mean that every second is fun and big smiles. What is possible is a sense of contentment, knowing that with focus, perseverance, pure intentions, and love, you have already succeeded. This understanding, a part of emotional intelligence, can facilitate a spiritual awareness that fosters the compassionate state of mind that ultimately leads to a true sense of happiness.

It is difficult to imagine someone aggressively demanding someone to be happy. In some ways, this may be what we do at times by sternly asking ourselves, "Why can't I be happy" or "What's wrong with me?" It makes more sense that we would lovingly welcome ourselves or others to become happy, to try new approaches and determine freely, for ourselves what works. EQ Education warmly invites you to try many proven approaches to lasting happiness. With practice, this happiness will naturally substitute the frustration, worry, or doubt that may have existed previously.

Where do you begin? Ask yourself, "What are my beliefs about myself," "What are my expectations for life," "What decisions or conclusions about life have I come to?", "What choices have I made that can preserve or inhibit happiness?", "What is my level of detachment from my concerns?", "Are gratitude and reverence a daily part of my life?" Your responses to these questions, we believe, can greatly shape your levels of happiness. In addressing the above questions, it is possible to change your beliefs, expectations and behaviors. It is possible to reevaluate and reframe your circumstances and past into a fresh perspective, a perspective that will lay the firm foundation for your growing happiness, the new you!