Success is not only determined by your intelligence quotient (IQ), but also your emotional intelligence (EQ). A lot of people manage to achieve success by having good EQ, despite having normal IQ.

Dr. Travis Bradberry, writer of the book Emotional Intelligence 2.0, said that EQ affected someone’s behaviour, social life, and decision-making process. The following is a list of traits associated with people having good EQ.

1. Positive thinking
   When people with a good EQ read news about political conflicts, the weakening economy, natural disasters, or any other negative headlines, they will not panic. These people are able to put aside their emotion, control their reaction, and feel optimistic. Optimistic people are more likely to have a healthy body and mind compared to pessimistic people, resulting in better performance at work.
2. Able to describe their emotions
   It is natural for every person to have emotions, but people with good EQ can describe those feelings. Instead of using common expression such as sad, they would express themselves using more specific words such as offended, frustrated, or dejected. Travis said, "People with good EQ know about what they are going through and are able to identify the feeling."
3. Assertive
   People with good EQ are capable of communicating their thoughts with confidence, but not forceful. This assertiveness will help them in facing all challenges encountered in everyday life.
4. Curiosity
   Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, you can have a good EQ. One of the important traits of people with good EQ is curiosity towards other people. With curiosity comes understanding and empathy.
5. Forgiveness
   Humans make mistakes every day, and people with good EQ understand that. It is important for them to forgive. They realize that nothing good ever comes from holding grudge; it will only lead to stress.
6. Happiness does not depend on other people
   People with good EQ don’t let anyone get in the way of their happiness. When they think that they’ve done a good job, other people’s negative opinions about it don’t matter.
7. Likeable
   Good emotional intelligence translates as likability. They don’t have to be the life of the party, but friends and peers feel comfortable around them.
8. Good-natured
   Another characteristic of people with good EQ is they don’t get offended easily when someone says something contradictory to their opinion. They are confident and open-minded.
9. Avoid negativity
   When you want to be someone with a good EQ, stop painting everything in a negative light. By choosing to be positive, you will become rational in facing every obstacle that comes your way.

So do you have what it takes to be a person with good EQ?

Text by Denistya Sagita
Stock photos from istockphoto.com
Source(s):

• http://www.success.com/article/7-qualities- of-people- with-high- emotional-intelligence
• https://www.inc.com/john-rampton/10- qualities-of- people-with- high-emotional- intelligence.html