How to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence

2. Only say yes when you really want to

So many of us want to please others. It’s a natural human response that makes us feel better and may help to relieve guilt and regret we harbor from the past. What’s troubling to realize is that people who have difficulty saying no are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and burnout.

We’ve all learned since infancy how powerful the word no is, but that does not mean you shouldn’t use it when it’s appropriate. While we might be tempted to soften the blow by saying things like “I don’t think so,” or “I can’t do that right now,” those with a high level of emotional intelligence realize that using the word no is a better way to honor their current commitments and allowed them to stay focused on important priorities.