The Brain and the NBA, 4

Someone asked me “what in the wide-wide world does emotional intelligence or EQ have to do being an outstanding basketball player?” My brain’s opinion is that it has a lot to do with a lot of it. Perhaps with all of it. Certainly it may impact the length of one’s career and success path. For example, high EQ involves the ability to defer short-term gratification for a long-term goal. That involves many small decisions on a daily basis; decisions that move the person closer to or further away from their long-term goal. The individual must make daily decisions about whether to practice or sluff off; what to eat and drink and the choices that would be better for brain and body; how much sleep their brain needs and whether to get that amount or not, and so on. High EQ also involves developing skills in managing emotions and feelings and the behaviors that would best align with your goals when you encounter stresses and setbacks. It involves avoiding or minimizing J-O-T behaviors: Jumping to conclusions, Overreacting, and Taking things personally. And avoiding behaviors that can get you ‘fined’ or ‘kicked out of the game.’ And it involves classy and credible role-modeling to younger brains that look up to yours. And so on. EQ matters!