It's amazing how some people can maintain happiness and positivity in their lives despite all the bad things happening around them.
But bestselling author Dr. Travis Bradberry, president of the world's leading provider of emotional intelligence TravelSmart, believes others can achieve this, too by practicing emotionally healthy habits.
He shared some of them in an article for The Huffington Post.
The first habit Bradberry pointed out is to be relentlessly positive. Sure, there will always be an endless cycle of war, violent attacks, unpredictable economies, and heartbreaking natural disasters. But emotionally intelligent people will not get upset over things they cannot control.
"They focus their energy on directing the two things that are completely within their power — their attention and their effort," he said. "Numerous studies have shown that optimists are physically and psychologically healthier than pessimists. They also perform better at work. Remind yourself of this the next time a negative train of thought takes hold of you."
Their second habit is to be assertive. Bradberry said emotionally healthy people have good manners, showcase empathy and kindness but are still able to assert themselves and set boundaries. "This tactful combination is ideal for handling conflict," he explained.
"When most people are crossed, they default to passive or aggressive behaviour. Emotionally intelligent people remain balanced and assertive by steering themselves away from unfiltered emotional reactions," he said.
Next, emotionally healthy people are able to forgive but not forget. They forgive oppressors in order to avoid grudges, but they never forget these transgressions so as to make sure the same mistake is not committed twice. "Offering forgiveness doesn't mean they'll give a wrongdoer another chance. Emotionally intelligent people will not be bogged down by mistreatment from others, so they quickly let things go and are assertive in protecting themselves from future harm," Bradberry explained.
Emotionally healthy people also know how to make things fun. Wherever they go, they bring the party with them, thus infecting others with their happiness. They are able to turn monotous work into games, and they know how to take breaks to do what makes them happy.
Lastly, emotionally healthy people are difficult to offend. They know who they are and what they are worth, so it does not matter what negative things other people say about them. "If you have a firm grasp of whom you are, it's difficult for someone to say or do something that gets your goat. Emotionally intelligent people are self-confident and open-minded, which creates a pretty thick skin," said Bradberry.
