Blog Series: The 4 Pillars of Emotional Intelligence

#1 SELF-AWARENESS: THE FOUNDATION OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

The first pillar of emotional intelligence is self-awareness.

Simply put, self-awareness is about understanding yourself: your emotions, your triggers and the patterns behind your reactions.

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Why does this matter?

When you’re aware of your emotions, you can respond to situations intentionally, rather than reacting on autopilot. Self-awareness is the foundation for emotional growth and better relationships.

In my work with horses, self-awareness is key.

Horses are masters of reading energy. They notice when our internal state doesn’t match our external actions. If you’re pretending to feel calm, but are actually anxious, they’ll sense it immediately.

Working with them can be a mirror, because they let us see what we're bringing into the space - whether that's work, home, or their paddock - helping you see what’s really going on beneath the surface.

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Practical steps to build self-awareness:

• Take time to reflect: At the end of each day, ask yourself, “What emotions did I experience today, and what triggered them?”

• Notice patterns: Are there certain situations or people that consistently bring out strong emotions?

• Practice mindfulness: Being present helps you tune into your emotions in real time.

Self-awareness is where the journey begins. It’s the foundation for all the other pillars of emotional intelligence.

Want to chat further?

Give me a shout!