How EQ Can Help You Age Better

Wisdom Through Failure: "A lot of my wisdom that I have is not from succeeding. It's from when I fail, you know."

Old vs. Getting Older

Jeff poses an important question: Is there a difference between being old and getting older? Eric agrees, noting that while getting older is an inevitable part of life, being old is more about one's mindset. The discussion touches on societal pressures, particularly the emphasis on youth, and how these pressures can shape our attitudes toward aging. They also examine how pop culture tends to idolize youth, often overlooking the lasting contributions of older generations.

Role Models and Changing Perceptions

Eric brings up musicians like Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton, who continue to perform and inspire despite their age. This serves as a reminder that aging doesn't have to equate to obsolescence. It also highlights the importance of setting realistic expectations and finding joy and purpose in the later stages of life.

Physical Changes and Adaptation

Jeff candidly shares his own experiences with physical changes as he has ages, including undergoing hip surgery. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these changes without letting them define your outlook on life.

Building a Practice of Emotional Intelligence

Jeff notes that a successful EQ practice isn't about achieving perfection but about continuous improvement and application. Eric concurs, highlighting that these competencies become increasingly vital as we grow older.

Emotional Intelligence Competencies

The hosts identify several emotional intelligence competencies that are particularly useful as we age. These include:

1. Self-Awareness - Recognizing and understanding your emotions, especially during challenging times.
2. Optimism - Maintaining a hopeful outlook, even when facing physical limitations or other aging-related challenges.
3. Adaptability - Adjusting your mindset and actions in response to new circumstances.
4. Empathy - Understanding the emotions and experiences of others, which can be especially enriching in later years.
5. Relationship Skills - Building and maintaining strong connections with others, which can provide essential support and companionship.
6. Stress Management - Learning to cope with stress in healthier ways, which becomes increasingly important as we age.

Jeff and Eric encourage you to build and maintain a practice of emotional intelligence throughout your life. This practice can make the journey of aging more fulfilling and less daunting. Plus don't forget the importance of humor and maintaining a positive outlook, both of which can significantly enhance the experience of getting older.

Key Moments

00:00 Will today's stars remain popular in future?

06:04 Groundedness aids artists' adaptation and longevity.

08:54 Plan now for a healthy, active final decade.

12:17 Emotions persist; optimism aids post-surgery recovery.

13:48 Building long-term emotional intelligence through practice.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at [e-mail], or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.

You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts,