Emotion Rules

The Science and Practice of Emotional Wisdom

You already know emotions matter. But are you truly listening to them?

“One of the most important leadership books of the decade – Emotion Rules reshapes how we think about emotion, performance, and purpose at a time when EQ skills matter more than ever.”
– Carolyn Meacher, Chief People Officer

Available March 10, 2026

Emotion Rules takes emotional intelligence to the next level — emotional wisdom — where feelings become guides toward finding purpose, connection, and becoming who you’re meant to be.

The book is built on 12 emotion rules that decode the architecture of feelings. It will show you how to transform emotion from “something to manage” into a source of insight & meaning.

– as seen in –

“Emotion Rules is a practical guide to using feelings as resources.” — Forbes

Emotion Rules is for people who already know emotions matter, and are ready to go deeper.

You understand emotions matter, but still find yourself overworking, overthinking, or pushing through

You’re seeking alignment between external success and internal meaning

You lead others and want to create cultures where people (including you) can thrive

You want to move from managing feelings to trusting them as guides

Blending research, stories, and real-world practices, Emotion Rules invites you to stop fighting your feelings and start listening to them. Order your copy today.

“An invaluable guide to using your emotions to become a better leader.”

– Dr. Marshall Goldsmith

Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author

"Joshua Freedman doesn't just teach emotional intelligence; he presents a roadmap to emotional wisdom, where feeling becomes guidance, not interference."

– Dov Baron

Leadership Philosopher & Founder, Emotional Source Code™

“Across industries, everyone is talking about emotional intelligence - but few know how to operationalize it. Emotion Rules changes that.”

– Pam Williams

Global Director of Emotional Intelligence, TP

"This book reveals how emotions . . . are actually vital companions, helping us live and lead with greater humanity, resilience, and joy."

– Chip Conley

Founder of MEA and author of the NY Times bestseller, Emotional Equations

"Emotion Rules isn't another intro to emotional intelligence — it's a thoughtful advancement for leaders, coaches, and professionals ready to go deeper."

– Farah Harris, LCPC

Founder of WorkingWell Daily, author of The Color of Emotional Intelligence

Decode what your feelings are really trying to tell you

Spot the patterns that keep you stuck and rewrite them

Navigate emotions in the moments that matter – change, conflict, uncertainty, leadership

Build resilience by hearing feelings instead of suppressing them

Follow your strongest emotions toward your deepest values

Shift from doing to being — from effort to presence

What’s in the Book

Emotion Rules guides reader to make sense of emotions, use them intentionally, then tune into feelings as a source of wisdom:

Part I: Emotional Data What if there are no “bad” feelings? Learn how emotions work in your brain and body — and why every feeling is a message worth hearing.

Part II: Emotional Intelligence Put that data to work. Practical tools for change, resilience, trust-based relationships, and leading yourself and others through complexity.

Part III: Emotional Wisdom Go beyond doing to being. Connect with your values, find your purpose, and discover that the path to your fullest self isn’t more effort — it’s more presence.

"Emotion Rules is a masterclass in self-led engagement — an invitation to move beyond managing emotions to partnering with them. Freedman gives us the language and tools to lead ourselves from presence rather than pressure."

– Tony D’Avino

Founder, The Performance Collaborative

"This book is a beacon of hope for anyone who senses that the answers we need won't come from more cleverness, but from finally learning to listen to what our emotions have been trying to tell us all along."

– Jen Fisher

Bestselling Author, Founder & CEO of The Wellbeing Team

“Leaders who apply these principles will build trust, inspire commitment, and shape cultures where people truly care.”

– Stephen Beaumont

President, Kohler Hospitality

Your emotions aren’t distractions.

They’re not problems to solve.

They’re whispers of wisdom — guiding you home to yourself.

Pre-Order Emotion Rules

Join the Book Launch Team!

Join the Book Launch Team & be among the first to get Emotion Rules insights

Six Seconds is a global nonprofit working to support ALL people to grow and practice emotional intelligence.

We think the world would be a better place if a billion people were practicing the skills of emotional intelligence (EQ). So, we research and share scientific, global, transformational tools & methods to support that goal. Learn more about Six Seconds' vision or to go deeper, explore EQ Certification Training for coaching, facilitating, consulting or educating.