It’s not the smartest people that are the most successful or the most fulfilled in life. You probably know people who are academically brilliant and yet are socially inept and unsuccessful at work or in their personal relationships. Intellectual intelligence (IQ) isn’t enough on its own to be successful in life. Your IQ can help you get into college, but it’s your EQ that will help you manage the stress and emotions when facing your final exams. Emotional intelligence affects: your performance at work, your physical health, your mental health and your relationships.