Alright team, gather around! Today we’re going to focus on a crucial aspect of emotional intelligence that can change how we handle daily irritations and setbacks. It’s all about perspective, and there’s a powerful quote that really puts this into context: “If it won’t matter in 5 years, then don’t spend more than 5 minutes thinking about it.”
This idea helps us decide where to focus our energy and emotions. Let’s think about some common situations you might face. For instance, if someone says something negative about you, it can feel really upsetting in the moment. But ask yourself, will this matter in 5 years? Will it affect who you are or your long-term goals? Most likely, it won’t. So, allow yourself just five minutes to feel upset if you need to, and then shift your focus back to what really matters.
Or consider another scenario—imagine you’re wearing your all-white Air Force 1s and someone accidentally steps on them. It’s annoying, right? But will you still be upset about this five years from now? Probably not. This perspective helps us realize that it’s not worth spending too much emotional energy on such moments.
Here’s how we can apply this perspective effectively:
- Gauge the Importance: Whenever you’re upset or frustrated, pause and ask yourself if this will matter in the long term. This helps you realize what’s truly significant.
- Conserve Your Energy: Use this strategy to keep your mental and emotional energy for things that really matter—like your training, your academic goals, or deepening important relationships.
- Learn and Move On: Instead of dwelling on these moments, use them to quickly learn something if possible, and then move on. Maybe you learn to avoid certain triggers or how to handle small conflicts with grace.
- Practice Mindfulness: By focusing on the present and letting go of minor nuisances, you practice mindfulness, which is a valuable skill for all areas of life. When you are training, be so focused on getting better that your brain doesn’t wander to what happened earlier in the day. Make this the best hour of you day by staying in the moment.
Emotional intelligence isn’t about suppressing our feelings. It’s about managing them in a way that serves us better. It’s about not letting the little things take over our mood or our day.
As we wrap up today’s post, remember to use this quote as a mental tool. Whenever you find yourself getting caught up in the minor setbacks or annoyances, ask yourself, “Will this matter in 5 years?”