The basic premise of emotional intelligence is the better one manages their emotions, the more effective they will be personally and professionally. Managing one’s emotions includes the ability to summons specific emotions to achieve desired outcomes.

Consider this fact, positive emotions have been shown to expand the scope of a person’s attention and thinking for enhanced problem solving.  You can test this assertion by trying the following technique.  When you find yourself avoiding a problem or solving it using an established – but not necessarily effective – strategy, try putting yourself in a happier mindset. Read a congratulatory email, talk with a good friend, or take a break to work on something you really enjoy.  Then direct your attention back to the challenge or problem and begin the brainstorming process of generating solutions. Note the difference a good mood makes.