4 min read ⌚ 

We are all searching for a place in this world, but that’s often easier said than done.

Emotional stability is critical for staying on course and striving to improve with each passing day.

In this short summary, we try to put Susan’s speech in the right time-frame driven by the right set of goals.

Who Should Read “The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage”? And Why?

Every person encounters life-altering events which on many occasions come out of a clear blue sky. That weakens your defense mechanism and questions your ability to be fully prepared by anticipating every possible threat that may befall you.

Susan David has the tricks up her sleeves, and in “The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage” she explains why you should heed all warnings.

Pay attention.

About Susan David

Dr. Susan David is a keynote speaker and the founder of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital of Harvard Medical School.

She is the author of a few books including Emotional Agility and Beyond Goals.

“The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage PDF Summary”

Have you heard of Susan David? Nonetheless, we are here to tell you the story of a psychologist who cast doubt upon traditional methods and embraced spontaneity. When she was only 15 years old, Susan had to deal with more than an average teenager can handle!

Her father’s death induced a change in behavior especially when it comes to mastering the ability to stay “OK.” At the spur of the moment, a perceptive and thoughtful teacher helped her, by urging Susan to put everything that troubles her on a piece of paper.

That subtle but highly powerful gift made her aware of the emotions that swooped in. Every time she had these harsh feelings, she remembered to take a notebook and write everything down, with hopes that it will clear her mind! These sensations examine how people express their emotions and steer their life.

A survey covering more than 70,000 people opened her eyes to the fact that 1/3 of the participants had this judgmental notion that further inflamed fear, anger, and anxiety. Susan figured that despite the challenges in life, a person could learn how to become aware of these tendencies.

The society has a massive role in enforcing these shameful principles, which put a label on various types of emotions, as scandalous or toxic.

This new concept is carried out by quasi-principles which impose moral correctness, and how you should behave in a given situation. Pushing the power-button is not without risks. By shamefully tackling these emotions you put your internal pain on hold, which must rise to the surface sooner or later.

Paradoxically, she argues that those free from discontent, stress, and regret are buried. The bottom line is that every soul on this planet has to deal with the mental burden that questions the emotional agility. Being in tune with your inner needs is the core of this lifelong synergy.

Susan even shares her views on people’s primary concern – thoughts. She stimulates acceptance in all forms! In other words, stop worrying about what and how you should feel, and embrace the present moment and allow all feelings to emerge.

This is not rocket science, and all it takes is a little determination to learn to ropes of what is holding you back. First things first, find out what triggers stress! Such simple exercise allows you to become increasingly aware of your mental surroundings.

Naming your feelings may seem odd, but such orientation directs your response, and it helps the brain to take concrete steps.

Let’s outline some common mistakes that may put you off track:

• • Don’t put “I am” – You are not the one who is frustrated, there’s only a sense of frustration that you see and perceive!

• Don’t identify your present state with any passable phenomenon.

Susan implies that staying angry is not the same as being aware of anger. The first scenario indicates that take yourself to be one of these feelings! Emotional agility signifies higher perception and the ability act upon the case.

Ask yourself – How to get closer to my goals? Which action would be the turning point in my life? How to recognize what is hindering my progress? This internal analysis pushes each and everyone towards higher engagement and emotional stability.

The name of the game is – the world remains as it is, an uncertain place filled with mystery and struggle. It’s up to you to create your own inner reality and fight to preserve that peace.

Key Lessons from “The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage”

1.      Embrace flexibility in dealing with problems
2.      Interpret the sensations which are aroused by external factors
3.      Find the courage to oppose the phenomena

Embrace flexibility in dealing with problems

Most people simply rush into things. They are not flexible with the methods they use in handling the complexity of today’s world.

Such approach leaves you stranded in a shallow perspective!

Interpret the sensations which are aroused by external factors

It’s vital that you stay calm and tackle the judgmental notion. If you take a breather from criticizing you may be able to see the big picture.

It’s best if you can stay by the side and act as an observer.

Find the courage to oppose your concepts

You are not your mind’s guardian angel. In other words, you don’t need to safeguard its shallow limitations that deteriorate your mental health.

Stay focused on the right tasks and abandon the depthless tendencies.

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“The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage Quotes”

Our Critical Review

Susan clearly made a name for herself. We really love reading her discoveries and theories on topics related to human psychology.

Endorsing her ideas and breakthroughs in the realm of psychology can change your life and put you in a better mood.

Emir Zecovic

Emir is the Head of Marketing at 12min. In his spare time, he loves to meditate and play soccer.