On the cover of my copy of Daniel Goleman’s book entitled ‘Emotional Intelligence’ we can read, among other things: “Success in life depends not only on the intellect, but on the ability to manage emotions.” (the translation is from Polish) This is true. Emotions perform important functions in our lives. Therefore, it is good to learn to use them and to respond to them skilfully.

Daniel Goleman’s ‘Emotional Intelligence’ is (as I read on the cover of this book): “a lively, internationally discussed excellent book (…) – it brings an answer to (…) the question of how it happens that gifted students become merely mediocre workers, or that people with a high intelligence quotient sometimes struggle to cope with life.”

Success in life is ensured not only by intelligence, but also by being ’emotionally intelligent’. Scientific research proves this. Success in life depends on “self-awareness, i.e. controlling one’s emotions, enthusiasm and perseverance in pursuit of one’s goals, as well as the capacity for empathy and social behaviour skills”.

In my copy of the book discussed I read about what the author’s aim is. D. Goleman writes: “In this book I serve as a guide on a journey through scientific discoveries that give us insights into emotions. Its purpose is to enable us to better understand some of the most perplexing situations in our lives and in the world around us in order to understand what it means to incorporate intelligence into emotions and how to do so.” (page 32)

The above excerpt encourages me to read Daniel Goleman’s book in its entirety. I want to learn how to use my emotions more consciously, I want to understand how to live my personal and professional life, to live better and smarter. I just want to be ’emotionally intelligent’. Time will tell how I will succeed.

Dare to live. It’s YOUR life.

Dariusz Łukasik

Ps. My main blog is: DARETOLIVE.BLOG