What is Intrapersonal Intelligence and How Can You Improve It?
Intrapersonal intelligence is one proposed by psychologist and educator Howard Gardner in his theory of multiple intelligences. It refers to the ability to understand and manage our own emotions, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses.
Understanding Intrapersonal Intelligence
At the core of intrapersonal intelligence lies self-awareness, the ability to tune into our own emotions, thoughts, and needs. It involves a journey of deep self-exploration, where we delve into the inner workings of our mind, body, and heart to understand what drives and limits us. From recognizing our deepest emotional experiences (joy, fear, anger, disgust, sadness, and their many combinations) to identifying more complex and subtle realities (learned family patterns, traumas, grief, sense of purpose...), intrapersonal intelligence invites us to be archaeologists of our inner world.
The Importance of Intrapersonal Intelligence
Intrapersonal intelligence is the root of many other important skills such as:
- Making wiser decisions, as it helps us align our actions with our personal values and goals.
- Better stress and adversity management, allowing us to find calm amidst the storm and maintain a proactive attitude in difficult times.
In the professional realm, leaders with high intrapersonal intelligence can inspire and motivate others from their authenticity and self-awareness. Employees with a solid intrapersonal intelligence tend to be more self-motivated and have a greater capacity to manage their time and resources efficiently.
How Can I Improve My Intrapersonal Intelligence?
1. Self-reflection: Dedicate 10 minutes a day to stop and reflect on your own emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Write a journal about your most important experiences.
2. Self-awareness: Engage in activities that help you better understand yourself, such as experiential learning dynamics, personality tests, readings, strengths and weaknesses assessments, or deep conversations (with psychologists, mentors, coaches, trusted friends…).
3. Self-management: Learn to manage your emotions in a healthy and balanced way, whether through mindfulness practice, meditation, physical exercise, or creative expression.
4. Goal-setting: Define clear and realistic goals for yourself and work consistently towards their achievement. Ensure that your goals are aligned with your life purpose and deeper values.
5. Acceptance and compassion towards oneself: Practice self-compassion and forgiveness towards yourself, recognizing that we are all learners, make mistakes, and face challenges in life.
If you are interested in further improving your intrapersonal intelligence and that of your team in an innovative, kind, and creative way, request information about the Biopolis methodology and its playful and experiential sessions.
Bibliography:
1. Gardner, H. (1993). "Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice." Basic Books.
2. Goleman, D. (1995). "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ." Bantam Books.
3. Salovey, P., & Mayer, J. D. (1990). "Emotional Intelligence." Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 9(3), 185-211.
4. Brackett, M. A., Rivers, S. E., & Salovey, P. (2011). "Emotional Intelligence: Implications for Personal, Social, Academic, and Workplace Success." Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5(1), 88-103.
5. Bar-On, R. (2006). "The Bar-On Model of Emotional-Social Intelligence (ESI)." Psicothema, 18(Supplement), 13-25.
6. Mayer, J. D., Salovey, P., & Caruso, D. R. (2008). "Emotional Intelligence: New Ability or Eclectic Traits?." American Psychologist, 63(6), 503-517.
