GetBeyondEQ

The start of a new school year is filled with promise, but it’s also a time of emotional challenges—new schedules, academic expectations, social dynamics, and the transition from summer freedom to structured routines. Emotional dexterity can be the key to not just surviving but thriving during this shift.  1. Start with Emotional-Awareness Students, parents, and educators alike benefit from regularly checking in with their emotions. Recognizing stress, excitement, or anxiety early allows for proactive responses rather than reactive outbursts.  Quick Practice: At the start or end of the day, take 60 seconds to name your emotions without judgment. This builds emotional awareness—the first step in managing them effectively.  2. Flip the Emotional Light Switch When the inevitable challenges arise—a tough test, a missed assignment, or a conflict with a classmate—students can use emotional creators to shift their state.  Examples: Listening to uplifting mu...

  The back-to-school season brings more than just new pencils and schedules—it comes with a swirl of emotions. Excitement, anxiety, hope, and overwhelm all show up at once—for students, parents, and teachers alike.  Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or the final year of high school, transitions can trigger emotional stress. That’s where emotional dexterity becomes a game-changer.  In this post, we’ll explore how to use emotional tools from Beyond Emotional Intelligence to stay grounded, confident, and emotionally strong through the school year’s early challenges.  1. Reset the Emotional Mindset The biggest stressor? The pressure to perform perfectly from day one. Instead, focus on building a mindset of progress, not perfection. Help your child (and yourself) reframe the year as a journey of learning—emotionally and academically.  Mantra: “Mistakes are not failures; they’re feedback.” Practice: Start the day with a short affirmation lik...

In an increasingly digital world, online communication has become part of our daily lives. While the internet connects us to ideas, people, and communities, it also opens the door to negativity—including harsh criticism, toxic comments, and even outright hate. Whether you're a student, professional, content creator, or simply active on social media, chances are you've encountered or witnessed online hostility.  So how do you protect your emotional well-being in a world where negativity can show up in your inbox, comments, or newsfeed at any moment?  The answer lies in building emotional dexterity—your ability to stay calm, composed, and resilient no matter what digital storms come your way.  1. Understand: Online Hate Is More About Them Than You Hurt people hurt people. Those who spread hate often do so from a place of fear, insecurity, or projection. Understanding this doesn’t excuse their behavior—but it reframes your reaction.  Emotional Dexterity Tool...

  As summer winds down, millions of families across the country are preparing for the return to school. But while back-to-school season is often framed as a time of new beginnings and fresh notebooks, it’s also a major source of anxiety—for students and their parents. Whether it’s starting kindergarten or navigating senior year, the shift from a relaxed summer routine to a structured academic year can bring emotional challenges. Stress levels rise, sleep schedules change, and pressure mounts. That’s where emotional dexterity becomes a powerful tool. In this post, we’ll explore how to use emotional awareness, reframing, and intentional mindset shifts to make the transition smoother for everyone.  1. Recognize the Emotional Shift Many students (and adults) feel overwhelmed as they anticipate new routines, social dynamics, and academic demands. The first step toward emotional balance is simply acknowledging the change.  For Parents: Notice your child’s behavior. ...

On May 26, 2025, what was meant to be a jubilant celebration for Liverpool FC's Premier League victory turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak. A vehicle drove into the crowd on Water Street, injuring 65 people, including children, with two individuals in critical condition. The driver, a 53-year-old man from West Derby, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and dangerous driving. Such sudden and traumatic events can leave communities grappling with a complex mix of emotions—shock, grief, anger, and fear. In times like these, cultivating emotional resilience becomes essential. Drawing from the principles in Beyond Emotional Intelligence: Never Have Another Bad Day , here are strategies to help individuals and communities navigate the emotional aftermath of unforeseen tragedies. 1. Acknowledge and Validate Emotions It's natural to experience a whirlwind of emotions after a traumatic event. Allow yourself to feel without judgment. Recognizing and naming your emo...

We’re living in a time of rapid change and high tension. Political debates flood our feeds, economic shifts shake our financial confidence, and uncertainty has become a constant. It's no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even powerless. But here's the truth: even in the most unpredictable moments, we can learn to stay grounded, centered, and calm. This isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about protecting your peace so you can respond instead of react. Based on the principles I share in my book, here are a few ways to navigate turbulent times with clarity and calm:   1. Control What You Can, Release What You Can’t Uncertainty is hardwired to create stress. But most of that stress comes from trying to control the uncontrollable. We can’t predict elections, markets, or world events—but we can control how we respond.   Focus on your personal rituals. Create daily structure. Choose healthy foods. Move your body. Limit your news intake. These small decisions re...