Emotional Agility is a new term for an ancient idea. It asks us not to deny our negative feelings, ascribing purely positive definitions to them – otherwise our denial causes those emotions to become more powerful and in the process dominate our beings. This is something we stress in our work – see NOSE.
Emotional Agility states that the way we deal with our emotions shapes everything that matters: our relationships, health, careers and meaning and purpose. When we get caught up in our stories we are unable to fulfill our potential as we are dragged along by circumstances, overwhelmed by our thoughts and emotions.
Susan David, Ph.D. is an award-winning Psychologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. She is the co-founder and co-director of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital and CEO of Evidence Based Psychology.
She is also the author of the best-selling book Emotional Agility. Her easy-going style and emotionally intimate delivery have made her an in-demand speaker on this topic. Her skills as a coach in this area means that she is called on to help senior leaders of major organisations around the world. She is a strong advocate for female empowerment and improving the role of women in society.
Below is a summary provided by her on this topic.
Also see: Don’t Become Trapped in Your Story and The Four Stages of Personal Growth