The Four Rules of Emotional Intelligence

It’s 2025. More events have unfolded in the first month of the year than twists in a Christopher Nolan movie.

Trump coming back to power, LA being destroyed overnight and high-end banks insisting on their workforce return to work full time.

With the madness only increasing in this world, the need to stay sane has become higher.

Enter Emotional Intelligence…

While there is no shortage of books and resources on becoming emotionally literate, including an entire platform my co-founder and I created, called Emotional Smart, consider this as your Fastrack guide that will help you stay on top of your game at all times.

You’re welcome.

Ready for the four rules? Here comes…

Rule #1: Feel those goddamn feelings.

Most people are used to treating their emotions like their mundane tasks labeled “Ill do it later”.

But here’s the thing about feelings: they’re like toddlers. Ignore them, and they’ll throw a tantrum. Acknowledge them, and they might just calm the heck down.

Being emotionally intelligent doesn’t imply that you’ll always be happy and carefree. It simply means you can sit with your feelings and process them without losing your mind.

Angry? Great, feel it.
Sad? Grab some tissues and cry it out.

Just don’t go ape shit and take your emotions out on the overworked barista who spelled your name wrong.

Rule #2: Empathise

As much as we think the world revolves around our experiences, other people have feelings too. Shocking, I know.

Emotional intelligence is understanding that when your colleague snaps at you, it’s probably because they’re stressed, not because they secretly hate your fashion sense. (Although, let’s be honest, that isn’t winning you any awards.)

Most people’s behavior is a reflection of their internal circus. So maybe, just maybe, you can stop taking everything personally.

Rule#3: Keep that ego under check

Witness any two people lose their minds in road rage, and it’s clear that EQ is not their forte. It all becomes about proving their worth (or their car’s) against the other.

When egos take the driver's seat, it becomes impossible to hear others out, give them the benefit of the doubt, and act like a decent human being.

This is where emotional maturity kicks in. It’s about rising above petty ego battles and knowing when to speak up, when to shut up, and when to shove that superiority complex in a drawer and lock it away.

Rule#4: Own your flaws

If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re doing life wrong.

People who take themselves too seriously are usually the blamers, the victims, and the ones who perpetuate all the drama.

One of the best side-effects of emotional intelligence is developing self-awareness, a true superpower.

It’s about acknowledging your quirks, embracing your flaws and recognizing the beauty in your imperfections.

Because, let’s face it: you can’t be triggered by something you already own.

Conquering fear one step at a time

The image below isn’t some AI-generated fantasy. It’s real.

Meet Lukas Irmler, the world record holder for slacklining.

When I saw his reel, I knew I had to bring him on my podcast and he agreed to come and share how he manages to do this inexplicably epic shit.

He talked about his incredible journey with slacklining, how he confronts fear head-on, while dropping his nuggets on what it takes to build a fearless life and achieve our dreams.

My recco’s

👉🏻 I personally don’t know Malte Martin but I start my mornings with him. Nothing more calming than his tunes

👉🏻Recently watched Netflix’s ‘Buy Now’ and it’s eye-opening at another level. Must watch!

👉🏻Living in Delhi isn’t fun for the lungs. Which is why I take some steam every day, regardless of whether I have a cold or not. It’s best for clearing out any congestion and great for the skin! Even if you aren’t in a grossly polluted city, it’s worth trying out! Amazon will entice you with all its options

Thanks for making it to the end, my friend! Are you subscribed yet? If not…