Understanding SMART
Our emotional responses can be powerful drivers of our behaviour, often leading to impulsive actions and decisions that may not serve our best interests. To aid individuals in engaging their intellect and asserting control over their lives, we've introduced the SMART system. SMART is an acronym representing the five steps of this system: Separate, Monitor, Assess, Replace, and Trust in Objective Principles.
Step One: Separate
The initial step involves learning to separate ourselves from our ingrained emotional responses. These responses, often rooted in early life experiences, can be negative or damaging and lead to rash decisions. By recognizing that we are not our emotions - we merely experience them - we can start to differentiate our identity from these feelings, marking the first step towards control.
Step Two: Monitor
After successfully separating our identity from our emotions, the next step is to observe or monitor these emotions with our intellect. By consciously acknowledging our emotional state, we interrupt the communication between our emotions and our intellect, preventing these emotions from having undue influence over our decisions.
Step Three: Assess
The third step is assessment. It involves understanding the impact of our emotions on our actions. Instead of labeling emotions as 'good' or 'bad,' we analyze how they influence our decisions. Do they propel us towards hasty, impulsive actions, or guide us towards constructive, beneficial ones?
Step Four: Replace
Post-assessment, it's time to replace harmful impulses with reasoned responses aligned with objective principles. This step does not suggest suppressing emotions, but rather promotes making conscious, rational decisions that are in line with our values and principles. By replacing impulsive reactions with thoughtful responses guided by objective principles, we can start exerting control over our actions.
Step Five: Trust
The final step in the SMART system is to Trust in Objective Principles. This involves having confidence in our ability to make decisions that are not only emotionally sound but also adhere to our intellectual understanding and values. Trusting in objective principles confirms our capacity as rational beings to experience emotions without being unduly influenced by them. It's about believing in our ability to make choices based on our understanding of what is right, fair, and beneficial.
Conclusion:
The SMART system – Separate, Monitor, Assess, Replace, Trust in Objective Principles – provides a robust approach to engaging our intellect, taking control of our emotions, and navigating life's challenges effectively. It's a compelling tool for personal growth and emotional well-being. The journey towards emotional intelligence is continuous, but with these steps, you're on the right path.