Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life

Unleash your inner resilience and transform emotions into growth

Susan David

2016

7 Key Insights

About This Book

Emotional Agility takes you on a journey from feeling trapped by your own thoughts and emotions to living a more purposeful, courageous life. You’ll learn to identify and step out of old, self-defeating patterns, embrace even your most difficult feelings with compassion, and channel that understanding into action aligned with your deepest values. Through vivid examples—from tangled workplace dilemmas to parenting challenges—you’ll discover scientifically proven techniques to build flexibility, clarity, and resilience. By applying these insights in small, deliberate ways, you’ll break free from autopilot reactions and forge a path of meaningful, lasting change.

About the Author

Susan David, PhD, is a Harvard Medical School–affiliated psychologist and award-winning executive coach who has spent more than two decades studying emotions, behavior, and leadership. She’s a pioneer of evidence-based approaches to emotional well-being and has worked with leaders at global organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and the United Nations. Her groundbreaking research on emotional agility has been featured in top academic journals and publications like Harvard Business Review.

Biggest Takeaway

• Develop self-compassion and reduce anxiety by learning to face uncomfortable emotions rather than suppress them. • Gain clarity and confidence by distancing yourself from intrusive thoughts, so you can act on what truly matters. • Build resilience and adaptability, turning stress into fuel for growth and creativity. • Create lasting change through small, manageable tweaks that compound into significant improvements in relationships, work performance, and well-being.