alignment + effort = ♥️
I’d argue that you can’t logic your way into growth. Our hyper rational individuals AND our emotional reasoners… listen up! Head + heart [heavy on the heart] is the way forward. Let’s bring back the word desire.
Intuition is your smoke detector, logic is your investigation. Though, like I find myself saying most weeks at the old 9–5: where there is smoke, there is typically fire.
Logic should be what you rely on to dissect patterns, assess risks, analyze outcomes and design your roadmap: what it’s going to take to get you there [how you will work smarter, harder]. It perhaps can even select the proverbial car that makes sense for the journey — most safe / efficient / reliable — but your heart is the engine.
Dissonance between head and heart can take a significant toll, both physically and psychologically. It’s my controversial opinion that this disparity is the breeding ground for depression. When your heart strings are tugged, though —and you choose to act — this is when the magic happens.
Choose is the key word here. That shit is so scary. It likely requires leaving quite a bit behind, a whole lot of front loaded effort to move forward, and approximately zero guarantees. Choose your hard, as they say.
Enter deep reflection, assessment, loneliness, difficult decisions and likely a type of a grieving process for what simply cannot come along.
Call energy the most reliable catalyst for it all, maybe.
[Love in the game of life]: my favorite [simplified] example of this shows up in dating. It is my belief that if a man does not find himself running as fast as his legs will possibly carry him to present at 110% — or level up if needed — in an attempt to lock her down, there is a good chance he simply doesn’t like her enough.
I have watched men known for being apathetic, self-centered, low effort, reactive, entitled, become ‘overtaken’ honestly, as they push to meet the expectations they have set for themselves(!) in how they want to show up for someone. It’s enchanting to watch.
And the cool part? This extends to e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. The heart wants what it wants, or so I believe. At 36 I have decided it really comes down to whether you accept that or not. If you’re brave enough to listen to it, logic is a necessary overlay but a more fulfilling life will closely follow. For fans of The Bear, Richie’s week in London(!).
[Work in the game of life]: the mediocre performer who is given runway by means of whatever random logistical gap is at play, and they begin to shine. They step in, up, and sideways, exceeding any and all expectations at a clip. I’ve seen this happen twice in my career thus far and both were so memorable. Oh, what people can do with purpose, connection and a dash of expectation. *Cue the continuous need to explore untapped potential.
Self awareness and discipline. Getting better at getting better. Knowing what we don’t know.
