As you embark on your journey into the world of occupational therapy practice, there's something you might not have heard of yet - emotional intelligence. Now, before you roll your eyes and think it's just another buzzword, let me assure you, it's much more than that! In fact, emotional intelligence can be a game-changer in your professional and personal life. So, fasten your seatbelts as we dive into the five components of emotional intelligence and discover how developing these skills will benefit you as a new graduate occupational therapist.

1. Self-awareness
   Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. It's all about understanding our own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers. As new graduates, this means taking the time to reflect on our experiences, acknowledging our limitations, and recognising areas where we can grow. Remember, being aware of our emotions helps us manage them effectively, leading to improved patient/client care and better teamwork.
2. Self-regulation
   Ah, self-regulation, the art of controlling our emotions when things get tough. Believe me, as an occupational therapist, you'll face challenging situations regularly. Whether it's dealing with difficult clients/patients or juggling multiple tasks, self-regulation will save the day. Mastering this skill allows you to respond rather than react, maintaining professionalism and composure even in the most stressful scenarios. So, keep calm and regulate those emotions!
3. Self-motivation
   Being a new graduate is no walk in the park. There will be moments when you question your abilities or feel overwhelmed. That's where self-motivation jumps in with a cape and saves the day! By cultivating a positive mindset and focusing on your goals, self-motivation acts as your personal cheerleader. It keeps you going when you feel like giving up and reminds you of the joy and impact occupational therapy brings to people's lives.
4. Empathy
   As occupational therapists, empathy is our superpower. It's about understanding and sharing the feelings of others, allowing us to connect with our patients on a deeper level. By practicing empathy, we build trust, enhance communication, and tailor our interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. So, let your empathetic side shine and watch how it transforms your therapeutic relationships.
5. Relationship management
   Last but certainly not least, relationship management is crucial for new graduate occupational therapists. Building and nurturing professional connections with colleagues, supervisors, and patients can greatly impact your career trajectory. By honing your relationship management skills, such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration, you'll create a supportive network that propels your growth and opens doors for exciting opportunities.

Congratulations! You've made it through the crash course on emotional intelligence and its five essential components. Remember, developing these skills is an ongoing process that will enrich both your personal and professional life. As you step into the world of occupational therapy, embrace your emotions, regulate them wisely, stay motivated, empathise with those around you, and build lasting relationships. So go forth, conquer the world, and make a difference one therapy session at a time!

Make sure to check out this video on how to get better at understanding your emotions and those around you!

6 Steps to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence | Ramona Hacker | TEDxTUM