One of the most counterintuitive truths about emotional intelligence: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Emotional Intelligence Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of emotional intelligence
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking emotional intelligence is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging emotional intelligence without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing emotional intelligence to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for emotional intelligence while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Emotional Intelligence
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting emotional intelligence, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Emotional Intelligence
Many people find that when they stop fighting emotional intelligence and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of emotional intelligence is partly the struggle against it.