Intrapersonal Intelligence: 4 Key Factors Defining the Concept

In the previous post, we discussed the dimension of Self Assertion. Let us understand more about the Intrapersonal Intelligence global dimension that emerges from Strengthscape’s Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire.

Intrapersonal Intelligence primarily refers to the ability to know oneself. Additionally, it is a capacity to form an accurate model of one’s inner self, and in using that model to operate effectively in life. It also is the ability to become aware of one’s feelings and make suitable adjustments as demanded by the situation.

Global Factors of Intrapersonal Intelligence

Self-knowledge: Being self-aware means:

• Being able to listen to one’s own desires, needs and motivations.
• To identify one’s emotions at any given point in time, and what set them off.
• Being able to analyze/introspect on their own reactions and behavior.

Effective application of this factor would result in people being aware of how to lead their lives. In addition, they would know what they want and where they are going. This would be applicable to both their professional and personal lives. Excessive analysis/introspection is not desirable, as it would lead to paralysis.

Self-control: This is an important asset for becoming socially accepted.

• Ability to control impulses.
• The ability to control excessive reactions such as anger, exasperation, and anxiety.

It allows people to think and act calmly in any type of context. Thus, people who demonstrate good self-control give an impression of stability. They can cope with difficult situations such as conflict or stress without revealing their feelings, and they are able to ease tension.

Adaptability: Being able to adapt means:

• Being able to let go of habits.
• To easily change points of reference.
• Being able to share opinions and feelings, while taking specific situations and points of view into account.

Adaptable people are able to thrive more easily than those who do not.

Self-motivation: People who have this drive:

• Adopt a positive attitude in any situation.
• Also, they show perseverance and tenacity.
• Efficient in everything they undertake.
• Ready to take on challenges, even the most complex ones.

A high score on the dimension of Intrapersonal Intelligence has a positive impact as:

• Self-motivated people are typically resilient, and thus are able to achieve their goals.
• High levels of adaptability are very useful to people in the context of a fast-changing external environment. It increases their chances of success manifold.
• Being self-aware gives one the advantage of controlling one’s efforts in the right direction.
• High self-control leads to one being able to deal with situations in the most effective manner.

A low score on this dimension leads to:

• Low self-motivation may lead one to give up on tasks or goals at the first hint of a challenge.
• Low adaptability is known to cause one to be against the laws of nature. However, one can put themselves into situations where high adaptability is not needed.
• Low self-awareness can result in one’s actions being influenced by others. One tends to be buffeted by other people’s opinions more than one’s own actions.
• Low self-control is typically unacceptable in the professional scenario. At a personal level, this can lead to rifts in relationships due to inappropriate or uncontrolled responses, as a result of low self-control.

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