By Iwona Roslonek, MEcon, CMA CPA

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is often hailed as the cornerstone of personal and professional success. It’s the ability to understand and manage your emotions, empathize with others, and make ethical decisions. But what if I told you that low EQ—specifically, a lack of empathy—could be silently shortening your life?

The connection between emotional intelligence and longevity might not be obvious, but science is revealing a startling truth: ignoring the suffering of others, including animals, doesn’t just harm them—it harms you too.

Let’s explore how this works and what you can do to change it.

The Empathy Gap: Why Most of Us Fail to Feel

Did you know that only 1-2% of humans are true empaths—people who feel the suffering of others as if it were their own? For the rest of us, empathy is a skill that requires cultivation. When it comes to animals, this gap is especially glaring.

Every year, billions of animals suffer in slaughterhouses, yet most people turn a blind eye. Why? Because it’s easier to ignore the pain of others than to confront the discomfort of change. But this lack of empathy doesn’t just hurt animals—it has profound consequences for our own health and well-being.

The Hidden Cost of Low EQ: How Harming Others Harms You

When we choose to ignore the suffering of animals, we’re not just making an ethical misstep—we’re also damaging ourselves. Here’s how:

1. Physical Health Consequences: According to Oxford University meta-analysis of 13 studies spanning 30 years and involving 1.4 million people, even a small amount of meat—just 50 grams (about 1.5 meatballs)—increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 18%. The average American consumes 300 grams of meat per day, far exceeding this threshold. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, and our dietary choices play a significant role.
2. Mental and Emotional Toll: Ignoring the suffering of others creates a disconnect between our values and our actions. This cognitive dissonance can lead to stress, guilt, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Over time, this emotional burden can erode mental health.
3. Karmic Consequences: While not scientifically measurable, many spiritual traditions teach that harming others—human or animal—creates negative karma. This isn’t just a metaphysical concept; it’s a reminder that our actions have ripple effects, both on the world and on ourselves.

The Science of Empathy and Longevity

Research shows that empathy and compassion are linked to better health outcomes. People who practice empathy tend to have stronger social connections, lower stress levels, and even longer lifespans. On the flip side, a lack of empathy is associated with higher rates of chronic illness and emotional distress.
By extending compassion to animals, we not only reduce their suffering but also improve our own health and happiness. It’s a win-win scenario that’s backed by science.

3 Simple Actions to Boost Your EQ and Transform Your Life

If you’re ready to bridge the empathy gap and reap the benefits of a more compassionate lifestyle, here are three simple steps to get started:

1. Go Vegan for 30 Days: Switching to a plant-based diet for just 30 days can have profound benefits:
   • Integrity: Aligning your actions with your values fosters a sense of wholeness and authenticity. When you choose compassion over convenience, you live in harmony with your deepest principles.
   • Empathy: By refusing to contribute to the suffering of animals, you cultivate a deeper connection to all living beings, enhancing your emotional intelligence and ability to relate to others.
   • Personal Growth: Stepping outside your comfort zone and challenging societal norms builds resilience, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of purpose.
2. Practice Daily Empathy Exercises: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the experiences of others, including animals. Watch documentaries like Earthlings, Dominion or The Game Changers to deepen your understanding of the impact of your choices. This simple practice can help you cultivate empathy and align your actions with your values.
3. Advocate for Change: Share your journey with others and encourage them to join you. Support organizations that promote animal rights and plant-based living. By advocating for change, you not only help animals but also inspire others to live more compassionately.

Why These Benefits Matter

• Integrity: Living in alignment with your values builds trust—both in yourself and in your relationships.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others strengthens your emotional intelligence, a key driver of personal and professional success.
• Personal Growth: Embracing challenges and expanding your perspective fosters resilience and adaptability, essential traits in today’s fast-changing world.

The Bottom Line

Low emotional intelligence doesn’t just limit your potential—it can literally shorten your life. By ignoring the suffering of animals, we harm ourselves in ways that are both physical and emotional. But the good news is that change is within reach.

By choosing empathy, adopting a vegan diet, and advocating for a more compassionate world, you can improve your health, boost your EQ, and create a brighter future for all living beings.

The question is: Are you ready to make the shift?

Call to Action: Start your 30-day vegan challenge today and experience the transformative power of empathy. Share this article with someone who needs to hear it, and let’s create a ripple effect of compassion together.

True success is measured not by wealth or status, but by the value you create and the lives you uplift. What will your choices say about the life you’ve lived?

This article was originally published on LinkedIn by Iwona Roslonek, MEcon, CMA CPA Ⓥ on February 6, 2025, and has been reproduced here with kind permission of the author.

Iwona Roslonek is a Social Anxiety & Fear of Public Speaking Expert and Emotional Intelligence Coach. Helping LinkedIn Professionals Harness AI for Growth & Success.