Once in a great while, a book comes along that changes how everybody thinks. That happened in 1995 when Daniel Goleman released his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Goleman hit the nail with his head! He accurately described something that deep inside we all knew was true—some very smart people don’t do well in life because they don’t have a clue how to relate to people. For the last twenty years, people have understood that someone’s EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient) is as important to success in life and relationships as their IQ (Intelligence Quotient).
Great book—brilliant idea! It just didn’t go far enough.
I’ve been a professor, pastor, coach, husband, and dad (by far the hardest job), and I’m currently president of Thrive Communications, which means that every year I’m face-to-face with more than three hundred thousand people in some context (Whew, I’m getting tired just writing this!). Every day I have the privilege of working with a broad cross-section of accomplished people—everyone from CEOs to soccer moms. And this is what I’ve observed: IQ and EQ are not enough.
Let me pose some simple questions. Why are some people more effective than other people? Why do some enjoy life while others endure life? Why do some soar while others sink? Consider some specific scenarios, because it’s the same in every area of life. Why are some marriages closer? Why do some parents get more out of parenting? Why do some business people advance in their careers while others plateau? Why do some people thrive emotionally, seem more happy, more fulfilled? In short, why are some people just personally, emotionally, and relationally in better shape?
Let me give you the theme of these blogs in one sentence: Thriving people thrive for one reason—they commit to things that produce inner strength and hope.
And here’s the good news. Unlike IQ and EQ, which are largely inherited, your degree of hope, your “Hope Quotient” or HQ, can be developed to any level.
I have invested seven years into researching and writing the book, The Hope Quotient: Measure It. Raise It. You’ll Never Be the Same. It’s been worth every second.
What happens when you mix tough circumstances with hope-filled people? I’ll be exploring that in the next blog!
YOUR HQ BOOSTER
Thriving people thrive for one reason—they commit to things that produce inner strength and hope.