Skip to content

Emotional self-control is NOT the same as overcontrol, the…

“Emotional self-control is NOT the same as overcontrol, the stifling of all feeling and spontaneity…when such emotional suppression is chronic, it can impair thinking, hamper intellectual performance and interfere with smooth social interaction. By contrast, emotional competence implies we have a…” quote by Daniel Goleman
Download Open image
“Emotional self-control is NOT the same as overcontrol, the stifling of all feeling and spontaneity…when such emotional suppression is chronic, it can impair thinking, hamper intellectual performance and interfere with smooth social interaction. By contrast, emotional competence implies we have a choice as to how we express our feelings.”

Daniel Goleman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Emotional self‑control differs from over‑control; healthy competence means choosing how to express feelings without suppressing them.

In simple terms: Self‑control isn’t the same as repressing emotions.

Key Takeaway

Practice emotional competence, not just suppression.

Themes

psychology self‑regulation emotion

Mood

insightful balanced

Type

educational self‑help

When to use this quote

  • workplace communication
  • personal relationships
  • stress management

Key Concepts

emotional intelligence self‑awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide when to express or hold back feelings?
  • What strategies help balance emotion and reason?
A Different Perspective

Over‑control can stifle creativity and social connection.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Daniel Goleman

Explore all 200 Daniel Goleman quotes

More Choices quotes

Browse all 11,466 Choices quotes