To handle emotions, one hand to be emotionally intelligent. Being emotionally intelligent is a lifetime of practice. It is a learnable skill and highly rewarding.

Being emotionally aware is a great asset for a lawyer. It builds the ability to understand and manage emotions in positive ways to communicate effectively.

When you are in association with highly successful lawyers, you may notice the following traits:

• They speak their mind with clarity.
• They are comfortable being vulnerable.
• They listen by paying attention.
• They value their time and hustle.
• They organize their schedule with priorities.
• They are firm in their voice but open to ideas.

Being emotionally intelligent is part of the overall success of an individual.  You may find lawyers who win cases and are wealthy but emotionally not balanced. Happiness is an outcome of the clarity of actions. Emotionally mature lawyers are both happy and financially wealthy and carry a balance within themselves.

Emotional intelligence has become a subject of reference in all training programs that a lawyer undergoes. Below are some of the ways to practice the art and make it a part of who you are:

• Being Self-aware
  The word ‘being’ represents your entire personality of body and mind. Self-awareness is your ability to notice the present moment through non-judgemental awareness. Your judgment is not guided by the vision of the past, present, future, anger, pain, jealousy, success, fear, etc. And even if you are undergoing those feelings, you are aware of its presence as a thought. And that moment of awareness is known as being present. You will have the ability to bring yourself back to handle any situation with tact.
• Self-Management
  Self-management helps to be organized and disciplined in your actions. It creates a habit of understanding and prioritizing your time. Self-management makes a lawyer act through their intentions that match their goals. The quality of the cases to choose, the quality of clients to serve, area of expertise are all decisions that come through self-management.

• Social Awareness
  The very understanding that we are not alone puts us in check with the way we behave. Since we live among people, a level of sensitivity towards other’s emotions will sharpen our awareness. Showing empathy and being in acceptance of other’s opinions and actions creates an environment of cohesiveness.

• Having a Well-defined Life Purpose
  What is important to me?
  What am I doing what I am doing?
  What contribution am I bringing to myself and others?
  What do I want to achieve?
  Is my legal career a means to an end or, is it the journey that I love?
  These are some of the questions that lead to a perspective on what your life is all about. And once your goals are clear to you, each moment creates a sense of purpose. Having a purpose brings joy and direction and adds up to your emotional well-being.

Notes:
Handling your emotions is the first step of being conscious of thoughts, words, and deeds. It makes you the driver of all the actions that you take. In a way, you become the master of your destiny.