We throw around words like they're interchangeable when they're not—and the difference matters. Weather vs. climate. Listening vs. hearing. Motion vs. progress. In leadership, we do this with self-awareness and emotional intelligence, treating them like synonyms when they're actually two distinct capabilities. I learned this the hard way as a young lieutenant walking into a room full of colonels and generals during a communication outage, knowing my triggers but needing to apply that knowledge under intense pressure. Self-awareness gave me the foundation, but emotional intelligence changed the outcome.

💬 "Self-awareness is knowing. Emotional intelligence is leading. Leaders need both."

Ready to build both your self-awareness foundation AND your emotional intelligence application? Let's uncover your blind spots, map your clarity, and see how blending both can transform your leadership presence and decision-making confidence.

👉 TamiMarieCoaching.com/call

➡️ There's a gap between knowing your triggers and being able to regulate them under pressure. Self-awareness without emotional intelligence is like having a foundation without building the house. You need both the inner clarity AND the ability to translate that into confident, strategic leadership presence.

This week, notice if you stop at awareness ("I was triggered by this") or if you apply it through emotional intelligence ("Now I'll use this knowledge to respond differently"). Don't just understand your patterns—use them strategically.

"Am I using my self-awareness to build stronger boundaries and say no to more things, or am I using it to push myself out of my comfort zone and lead with greater influence?"

If this spoke to you, I'd love for you to:

Thank you for being here, Friend. Knowledge alone isn't power anymore—it's what you do with it that creates influence. Choose joy until joy chooses you! 💛