Example

When my best friend expresses an opinion with which I don't agree, I never challenge it.

Why #1: Why not? Because I am afraid to upset her.

Why #1: Why are you afraid of the possibility of upsetting her? Because it can make people angry.

Why #3: Why should that make you afraid? Because I remember an incident from the past when I upset someone, and the repercussions were immense.

Why #4: Why should a bad experience from the past necessarily be a bad experience today? Because that's the way things are.

Why #5: Why are things that way? Because I make them that way by not being sufficiently self-confident to be assertive with people.

Complete this exercise with an issue of your own. Be sure to write out each question, as explained in the example above.

1. Describe the issue.
2. First Why and the outcome.
3. Second Why and the outcome.
4. Third Why and the outcome.
5. Fourth Why and the outcome.
6. Fifth Why and the outcome.

Now describe the new positive pathway

1. When the "old trigger" arises, I will recognize it as.....
2. And I will take the following action.....
3. Write a minimum one-paragraph summary of how developing your Emotional Intelligence can affect how you will continue to develop your level of self-confidence. Use either of the course books as your source(s), and follow the correct APA format to cite your source(s). Follow the below directions, carefully.