My personal trainer recently sent me a text message, a simple "thank you."

At first glance, it might seem odd, but it was her way of acknowledging something deeper.

You see, I've been struggling with sleep lately, feeling grumpy, and lacking motivation to work out. Yet, despite these challenges, I showed up for my session.

She wasn't thanking me for her sake; she was thanking me for mine. It was her way of saying, "You're showing up for yourself, and that's awesome."

So, here are 3 easy yet powerful ways you can tap into that emotional intelligence and tackle hard things.

1. Get Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community, whether it's a coach, mentor, friend, or whoever has your back. Having someone in your corner can turn a daunting task into a team effort.

I've got my personal trainer and a couple of coaches who keep me in check and cheer me on, even when I'm tempted to throw in the towel.

2. Train Your Mind: Emotional intelligence isn't just about understanding emotions; it's also about managing them effectively. Cultivate focus, confidence, and calm through practices like meditation and mental strength training exercises. These techniques help you navigate stress, uncertainty, and self-doubt with resilience and grace.

I use meditation, journaling and mental strength training practices daily to keep me sharp.

3. Build Habits: Consistency is key when it comes to tackling hard tasks. Instead of trying to overhaul your entire life overnight, focus on building small, manageable habits. Start with tiny micro-habits that require minimal effort but can lead to significant results over time.

I've made it a habit to drink 500ml of water every morning before even touching my phone. It's a tiny win, but it sets a positive tone for the day.

In essence, emotional intelligence isn't just a buzzword; it's a practical skill that empowers us to navigate life's challenges more effectively.

By recognizing our emotions, seeking support, training our minds, and building habits, we can make even the hardest tasks feel more manageable.

So, the next time you're faced with a daunting challenge, remember: with a little emotional intelligence, you can do hard things—and make it look easy.