Overview
This lecture by psychologist Susan David explores how our approach to emotions affects key aspects of life, arguing for the importance of emotional courage and strategies for developing emotional agility.
The Value of Emotions
- The way we deal with emotions shapes our actions, careers, relationships, health, and happiness.
- Modern culture often prioritizes positivity over honestly confronting difficult emotions.
- Suppressing or ignoring negative feelings can harm our well-being and limit growth.
Emotional Courage
- Emotional courage means facing, rather than avoiding, difficult feelings and emotional experiences.
- Accepting and acknowledging all emotions, not just positive ones, is crucial for psychological health.
- Emotional courage supports resilience and true happiness by allowing authentic responses.
Emotional Agility Strategies
- Emotional agility involves being flexible with thoughts and feelings instead of getting stuck in them.
- Recognize and label emotions accurately without being controlled by them.
- Develop the ability to step back and observe thoughts/feelings to make intentional choices.
- Emotional agility helps us thrive through change and uncertainty.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Emotional Courage — The willingness to openly face and experience all emotions, including difficult ones, without denial or avoidance.
- Emotional Agility — The ability to approach thoughts and emotions with openness and curiosity, leading to thoughtful, values-driven actions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on your current approach to emotions and notice any tendencies to suppress or ignore certain feelings.
- Practice labeling and observing your emotions without judgement.
- Consider taking the Emotional Agility Quiz to assess your skills and areas for growth.