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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Emotional Habits summary
Akash Karia
The 7 Things Resilient People Do Differently (And How They Can Help You Succeed in Business and Life)
20 mins
Brief summary
Emotional Habits by Akash Karia is a thought-provoking book that delves into the various emotional habits we develop and provides practical techniques to overcome negative patterns, leading to a happier and more fulfilled life.
Table of Contents
Emotional Habits
Summary of 5 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 5
Resilience is a skill
Emotional resilience is key to navigating the challenges of life, and this attribute is built on the foundation of understanding and managing one's emotions effectively. You see, emotions play a fundamental role in shaping our perception of reality. They can color our worldview, with negative emotions in particular having an exaggerated influence on how we interpret and respond to events around us.
It's important to note that the aim of emotional resilience isn't to suppress or ignore these emotions, but rather to recognize them and allow oneself to experience them fully. At the same time, the power of positivity shouldn't be overlooked either. Even in the midst of seemingly negative circumstances, there are often positive elements to be found, if only one chooses to seek them out and concentrate on them. It's this balance of acknowledging the negative while seeking the positive that lays the groundwork for emotional resilience.
Emotional resilience is a skill that, with practice, anyone can cultivate, and its significance can't be overstated. Research has consistently shown that resilience is a decisive factor in whether individuals thrive or falter when faced with adversity. The ability to overcome negative emotions and persist toward one's goals despite setbacks is an invaluable trait that can boost happiness and fulfillment in both personal and professional contexts.
And so for this, the first habit to cultivate is just to acknowledge one's feelings. This involves not just recognizing the emotions as they arise, but also accepting responsibility for them. Every emotion, be it joy or anger, fear or excitement, carries with it a positive intention or message. It could be a signal that something in your environment requires your attention, or a reminder of a value or aspiration that you hold dear.
Acknowledging and understanding these messages requires you to let go of any judgment or shame associated with those emotions. Perhaps you feel guilt when you assert your needs, or embarrassment when you show vulnerability. Such self-judgment can make it difficult for you to fully understand and accept your emotions. Recognizing this tendency is the first step toward overcoming it.
To illustrate this point, consider a situation in which you're feeling frustrated and stressed because you're unable to meet a tight deadline at work. Rather than berating yourself for being overwhelmed, acknowledge the stress and frustration. Understand that these emotions are signals telling you that something isn't right – maybe the deadline is unrealistic, or perhaps you need additional resources to complete the task. Accept that it's completely natural to feel stressed in such situations, and there's no need for self-judgment or shame.
This shift in perspective is the cornerstone of emotional resilience. By acknowledging, accepting, and understanding your emotions, you empower yourself to manage them effectively and, in doing so, influence your reality in a positive way. This is the first step on the journey toward greater emotional resilience and a happier, more fulfilling life.
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What is Emotional Habits about?
Emotional Habits (2016) offers seven practical steps that anyone can implement to take control of their emotional lives and live with more resilience when overcoming life’s personal and professional challenges.
Emotional Habits Review
Emotional Habits (2019) explores the powerful impact of habits on our emotional well-being and offers practical strategies to cultivate healthier habits. Here's what sets this book apart:
- With its actionable tips and techniques, it empowers readers to break free from negative emotional patterns and build resilience.
- The book draws on psychological research, personal stories, and expert insights to provide a well-rounded understanding of emotional habits.
- By dismantling common misconceptions surrounding emotions, it challenges readers to reassess their relationship with their feelings and adopt a more balanced approach.
Who should read Emotional Habits?
- Life optimizers looking for practical advice
- Anyone looking to improve their personal or professional resilience
- Those looking for better ways to manage their emotional responses
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Emotional Habits FAQs
What is the main message of Emotional Habits?
The main message of Emotional Habits is that our habits shape our emotions and ultimately our happiness.
How long does it take to read Emotional Habits?
The reading time for Emotional Habits varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Emotional Habits a good book? Is it worth reading?
Emotional Habits is worth reading as it provides valuable insights on how to develop positive emotional habits and improve our overall well-being.
Who is the author of Emotional Habits?
Akash Karia is the author of Emotional Habits.
What to read after Emotional Habits?
If you're wondering what to read next after Emotional Habits, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Joy of Saying No by Natalie Lue
- Willpower by Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney
- Hooked by Nir Eyal
- Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven
- Good Habits, Bad Habits by Wendy Wood
- The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban
- The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The Mental Toughness Handbook by Damon Zahariades
- The Marshmallow Test by Walter Mischel