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Emotional Agility

summary ofEmotional AgilityBook by Susan David, PhD

13 min
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You’ll learn

  • Why daily irritations lead to self-discovery
  • How to transform default reactions into conscious choices
  • Ways to break free from self-limiting beliefs
  • Good reasons to do what's scary

first KEY POINT

Four steps to agility

We all experience various emotions daily, serving as an internal alert system shaped by human evolution. While this system helps us react to our environment, it's not always accurate and can be influenced by past experiences.Many people go through the day reacting to emotions without understanding why they feel a certain way, leading to out-of-sync responses. The answer lies in emotional agility. Rather than aiming for overnight change or forced positivity, emotional agility focuses on recognizing and understanding our emotions to make wise choices. It builds on Viktor Frankl's idea that we can choose how we react.

Emotional flexibility can be trained through consistent practice, much like stretching a muscle.

The world today is different from the past, but it still has its set of challenges. Modern stresses can put a strain on our emotional health. It makes having emotional agility even more critical in a fast-paced life.So, how can we develop this agility? Here are four practical steps:1. Showing up: Pay attention. Face our emotions and try to understand them.
2. Stepping out: Take a moment to think. By stepping back, we can get a clearer view of our feelings.
3. Walking our why: Act based on what truly matters to us. Let our core values guide our decisions.
4. Moving on: Make small changes in how we react, based on what we value, to foster personal growth.Ultimately, emotional agility is all about growth and understanding ourselves better. By mastering it, we can use our emotions effectively, helping us make better choices and lead a more balanced life. We can take the first step toward awareness and transformation of our reactions today. Next, we will cover this topic in detail, and may attentiveness and patience in its comprehension become our faithful companions.

second KEY POINT

The cinematic hooks

In movies, there's something known as a 'hook.' It's a compelling idea or plot that grabs our attention, urging us to stay tuned for what happens next. Similarly, in the theater of our lives, we are occasionally caught by our own 'hooks' — emotions, thoughts, or behaviors that can pull us away from our ideal path.Consider those iconic movie characters with intense inner battles. Imagine an actor who, struggling to understand women, chooses to pose as one. Or think of a top assassin who unexpectedly forgets everything during a mission. While these movie plots might sound distant from our daily lives, they echo our personal challenges. They represent the narratives in our minds, and sometimes, they don't end as happily as we'd like.

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first KEY POINT

Ban on bad emotions

second KEY POINT

The power of subtle shifts

third KEY POINT

Keep an emotional distance

fourth KEY POINT

Values over fear

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Susan David, PhD, is a psychologist affiliated with Harvard Medical School and the CEO of Evidence-Based Psychology.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life about?

Emotional Agility is a book by Susan David that teaches readers how to navigate their emotions effectively. It emphasizes the importance of embracing change and being adaptable, helping individuals to become more resilient and find clarity in both their personal and professional lives.

What are the key takeaways from Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life?

Key takeaways from Emotional Agility include understanding your emotions, drawing on your values to guide decisions, and creating a flexible mindset that allows for growth and change. The book offers practical strategies for overcoming emotional obstacles and thriving amid uncertainty.

Is Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life worth reading?

Yes, Emotional Agility is definitely worth reading for anyone looking to enhance their emotional intelligence and navigate life's challenges more effectively. Susan David provides insightful research and actionable advice that readers can apply immediately to improve their well-being.

How many pages is Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life, and when was it published?

Emotional Agility is 288 pages long and was published on September 13, 2016. This length allows for an in-depth exploration of its key concepts without overwhelming the reader.

Who is the author of Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life?

The author of Emotional Agility is Susan David, a renowned psychologist and expert in emotional intelligence. Her work highlights the transformative power of accepting and understanding our emotions in achieving personal and professional success.