December is my favorite month. This is because I get to give many \u201cgifts\u201d to those around me. These gifts include the most days off work of any month, end of year performance reviews, the annual Christmas bonus, Christmas gifts, happy New Year hugs and pausing to celebrate Jesus\u2019 birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The word in there I would like to focus on this month is pausing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pausing at times \u2014 even for just a few seconds \u2014 can make a major difference in how we think and react. Before you dismiss this as simple common sense, remember: the pause is easy in theory, difficult in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emotional intelligence (EQ) includes the ability to understand and manage our emotions, using them to work for us instead of against us. Emotional intelligence can help us think logically, rather than solely reacting with emotion. Like any ability, it can be learned, exercised and honed to help produce desirable outcomes. What one action can sharpen your EQ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pause isn\u2019t only effective when dealing with upsetting situations. Often, we are tempted to jump on opportunities that look really good at the time but that we haven\u2019t really thought through. Used effectively, the pause can help reduce those \u201cWhat was I thinking?\u201d moments. Now wouldn\u2019t that be a nice gift to give everyone around us?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How<\/strong> <\/strong>to<\/strong> <\/strong>Use<\/strong> <\/strong>the<\/strong> <\/strong>Pause Effectively<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n