I’ve always been fascinated by what sets the truly successful apart.
Yeah, I’m talking about those guys who seem to navigate life with ease and grace:
- They remain calm under pressure
- They understand and manage their own emotions
- They empathize with the feelings of others
As a psychology enthusiast and the founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve spent years trying to decode this mystery.
I was just your regular guy, passionate about understanding the human mind, but often found myself struggling in a whirlwind of my own emotions.
That was until I stumbled upon the concept of Emotional Intelligence.
I dove deep into understanding it, and found 7 daily habits that men with exceptional levels of emotional intelligence practice, according to psychology.
In this article, I’ll share these habits with you. Who knows? Maybe they’ll be a game changer for you too. Let’s get started.
1) They master the art of self-awareness
The first habit that truly struck me about men with exceptional emotional intelligence was their profound level of self-awareness.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill guys. They have a deep understanding of their emotions and they’re not afraid to face them head-on.
Instead of suppressing or running away from their feelings, they take time to sit with them, to understand the why behind the what.
They recognize their strengths, weaknesses, triggers and motivations. They’re in tune with their inner selves.
This level of self-understanding allows them to manage their emotional reactions effectively. It’s like having a well-tuned emotional compass.
For those of us who wish to foster this habit, start by checking in with yourself regularly.
Ask yourself: How am I feeling right now? Why am I feeling this way? What’s causing this reaction?
This simple habit is the first step towards developing exceptional emotional intelligence.
2) They practice empathy
The second habit I’ve noticed about men with high emotional intelligence is their remarkable ability to empathize with others.
I remember a situation where I was having a heated argument with a close friend.
Emotions were running high, and in the heat of the moment, it was easy to get lost in my own point of view.
But then I remembered something that famous psychologist Carl Rogers once said: “When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good.”
So I decided to take a step back. I made an effort to understand things from his perspective, to really hear him out. It was not about agreeing or disagreeing, but about understanding.
This shift in approach made a world of difference. The argument deescalated quickly and we were able to reach a resolution much faster.
Empathy is about understanding others’ emotions as if they were your own. It’s a powerful tool that fosters deeper connections and resolves conflicts.
Whenever you’re in a heated situation, remember to step into the other person’s shoes.
3) They manage stress effectively
Another habit I’ve observed in emotionally intelligent men is their skill in managing stress.
They seem to handle pressure and setbacks with a certain grace, never letting it ruffle their calm.
I recall a time when I was working on a big project with a tight deadline.
The pressure was mounting and I could feel the stress gnawing at me. It was affecting my sleep, my mood, and my productivity.
But I remembered something that these emotionally intelligent individuals often do: they take regular breaks to decompress and recharge.
They understand that their mental health is crucial for their overall performance.
So, despite the looming deadline, I decided to step away from my desk for a while.
I took a walk in the park, listened to some calming music, and practiced deep breathing exercises – anything to get my mind off work.
When I returned to my desk, I felt refreshed and more focused. The stress was still there, but it was no longer overwhelming.
This experience taught me the importance of taking care of our mental health, especially in stressful situations.
Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember to take a step back.
Breathe. Decompress. And then get back to it with renewed focus.
4) They practice active listening
The fourth habit of emotionally intelligent men is active listening.
This isn’t just about hearing the words being spoken, but genuinely understanding and engaging with the speaker.
Active listening fosters trust and understanding, which are critical for effective communication and relationship building.
I’ve experienced this first-hand. I once had a colleague who felt unheard in team meetings. He had great ideas but often struggled to articulate them.
Instead of brushing him off, I decided to actively listen, to ask follow-up questions, to show genuine interest in what he was saying.
This not only helped him express his thoughts more clearly, but it also strengthened our professional relationship.
He felt valued and understood, which boosted his confidence and motivation.
Active listening is a powerful tool that can transform your relationships in profound ways.
Next time you’re in a conversation, try to really listen.
5) They embrace change
The fifth habit I’ve noticed in emotionally intelligent men is their adaptability.
They understand that change is a constant part of life and are able to navigate it with flexibility and resilience.
I remember when I had to relocate for work. It was a huge change, leaving behind my familiar surroundings and loved ones. I was anxious, worried about the uncertainties that lay ahead.
But then I reminded myself of the emotionally intelligent individuals I’ve observed.
They view change as an opportunity for growth rather than as a threat. This shift in perspective made all the difference.
I started seeing the move as a chance to meet new people, explore a new city, and broaden my horizons.
Yes, it was challenging, but it was also exciting and enriching.
Embracing change rather than resisting it can lead to incredible growth opportunities.
The next time you’re faced with a big change, remember to approach it with an open mind and a positive attitude.
6) They practice gratitude
The sixth habit that emotionally intelligent men often practice is gratitude. They understand the power of appreciation and how it can positively impact their overall well-being.
I recall a period in my life when I was going through a particularly tough time. I was stuck in a rut, feeling unhappy and unfulfilled.
That’s when I came across a quote by John Henry Jowett: “Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic.”
This quote resonated with me deeply. I started to practice gratitude, taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things I was thankful for.
It could be something as simple as a good cup of coffee or as significant as the love of my family.
Gradually, I noticed a shift in my outlook. Despite the challenges I was facing, I found myself feeling happier and more content.
Practicing gratitude helps us focus on the positive aspects of our lives, reducing stress and improving our overall mental health.
Try to find something to be grateful for. It can make a world of difference.
7) They’re not afraid to show vulnerability
The final habit that struck me about emotionally intelligent men is perhaps the most counterintuitive: they’re not afraid to show vulnerability.
In a society that often equates vulnerability with weakness, this might seem odd.
But these men understand something crucial: showing vulnerability is a sign of strength and authenticity.
I’ve experienced this personally. I used to put up walls, afraid to show any sign of weakness. But this only led to feelings of isolation and disconnection.
So, I decided to let my guard down. I started expressing my feelings more openly, sharing my fears and doubts.
It was scary at first, but it led to deeper connections and a greater sense of belonging.
As psychologist Brené Brown puts it, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
Here’s a practical tip: Start by opening up to someone you trust about something that you’ve been keeping to yourself.
It could be a fear, a dream, or even an embarrassing story.
This simple act can pave the way for more authentic relationships and a stronger sense of self-acceptance.
Conclusion
Developing emotional intelligence is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making small, consistent changes in our daily habits.
It’s not about perfection, but progress.
Start by practicing self-awareness, empathy, and active listening. Learn to manage stress and embrace change.
Cultivate a habit of gratitude and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability.
But most importantly, be patient with yourself. Change takes time.
As the founder of Hack Spirit and a psychology enthusiast, my advice is simple: Start small and stay consistent.
Choose one habit from this list and practice it daily for a month.
The journey towards emotional intelligence is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, enjoy the process and watch as your life transforms in incredible ways.
