Progress in meaningful endeavors relies on both our internal and external perspective. We can talk ourselves out of trying and taking risks as well as allowing others to squash our ambitions. Understanding and developing emotional intelligence competencies can help us get past our self-imposed obstacles as well as improve and enhance the quality of our relationships.

Psychologist and author Daniel Goleman has been researching emotional intelligence for years. In our hyper-fast and “skim the surface” environment, understanding ourselves and others better can take us deeper into meaning, connection and relevance.