It’s crucial to understand that Emotional Intelligence is not something you can learn alone, or simply by reading a book. It involves social and emotional skills, and these must be put into practice with appropriate feedback. It’s good to take a course on Internet that outlines theory and tells you vocabulary – which is really reframing things you’re aware of – but it makes it clearer. Then work with a coach to guide process.

Improving your Emotional Intelligence will bring you benefits in every area of your life, at any time. It is broadly applicable and a very practical tool for life skills that seem to have been left out in our formal educations and even at home. Researchers did not start studying this field until about 10 years ago.

If someone has ever told you – or someone you love – you don’t know how to get along, or why can’t you be more friendly, or you don’t have good common sense, or you lose focus – these are all things you can learn in improving your Emotional Intelligence. Or if there are areas you know you could improve in, which is probably true of all of us – leadership, Intentionality, resilience, or flexibility – why not give Emotional Intelligence a try?

Emotional Intelligence involves knowing your emotions, understanding them, using them, and ultimately regulating them, and only when you can do this for yourself, can you apply this to others. And if you stop and think about it, most of things that come up at work involve emotions, not just work process. We all know how to do work; it’s doing it with others, and managing ourselves and others, that’s challenge, yes?

It paid off. Today Andy is a successful 13-year old high school student. His progress has been nothing short of phenomenal. He receives special help with a few things, but joins with his friends in all activities he loves. Andy overcame enormous odds to move from adversity to victory.

Ask yourself: "What are seeds of strength hidden in my struggles today? If I get back up when I fall, what will that make possible tomorrow?"

"Overnight success" is result of years of tenacity and continued learning. Victory is possible for those who decide it's their most compelling option. They'll find path to their dream. However, they will accept adversities as universities that will foster strength, growth, and skills to attract victory they seek.