As a life coach and a leadership trainer, the subject of emotional capacity always comes into play. Whether they are high-level executives who want to become better leaders or someone who simply wants to become successful in reaching their goals. In order to progress in life, they have to be aware of their Emotional Capacity in order for them to reach their full potential.

 

God gave us emotions to add zest to our lives. However, sometimes emotions can get the better of us and get us into trouble. Your Emotional Capacity is the ability to handle adversity, failure, criticism, change, or even pressure in a positive way. Whether you realize this or not, these things create stress in our lives. From my observations, the inability to deal with stress or emotional pressure wears people out. I have seen people including myself, give up, break down, or do unhealthy things (addictions ) to try to escape the pressure. No one is immune. However; when you learn to be emotionally strong , you will be better able to manage your emotions and process them through difficult situations.

 

There are several practices that when applied to your life, will increase your emotional capacity wherein you become an emotionally strong person. The first practice to become emotionally strong is being proactive in dealing with your emotions. Never remain a victim of your own feelings. Don’t catch yourself saying, “that’s just how I feel. I can’t help that.” Remember, emotions are the precursors of emotions.

 

There are things you need to do which will influence your own emotions. Maybe you cannot control them completely, but you can change them through your actions. We see that when God told Cain to do what was right despite what he felt when he wanted to kill his brother. If you feel sad, then laugh. If you are afraid, do it anyway and move ahead. If you feel you never will get out of debt, think the solution, not the problem. If you feel incompetent, remember your past successes. If you are feeling insignificant, then remember your goals if you have any.

 

To give you an example of the aforementioned recommendations, I am reminded of what the Bible says, “put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lift up your voice to God……..” This is God’s remedy for us when we become sad, depressed or somber. It is an intentional act that we must carry out. God doesn’t ask us how we feel, he doesn’t take a poll nor does he ask for your opinion. he just says, do it. Make sense? Today, make a declaration and say “I will master my emotions before they master me.” To be continued………,,,