I recently came across this quote, “Follow your heart but take your brain with you.” This then provoked me to google where it came from and it was said by a famous psychotherapist named Alfred Adler. People always emphasize the cliche “to follow your heart” which encourages one to listen their intuition and emotions. I definitely believe it is important to listen to what your intuition is telling you because it tends to be very accurate; however, I do agree with the later part of the quote which is often overlooked: But take your brain with you.

When making decisions, if you rely mostly on your emotions, I think that’s where practicality and rationality easily can go out the window. That is why it is essential to think with your head as well (aka by “taking your brain with you”) because emotions simply are not as logical. I think the biggest mistakes are made when people rely too heavily on their heart in guiding them to find love. Emotions can easily get in the way and truly lead you in the wrong direction. A person might make you feel good but sometimes there is zero compatibility. That’s where you need to listen to your head as well to make that assessment and not let strong emotions blind you into loving someone that is far from being the right match for you.

It is most beneficial to use a combination of both your head and your heart in all areas of your life. Some people are definitely built to use one more than the other but with mindfulness, you can teach yourself to use your less dominant function more often. If you find that it is hard to rely on yourself to see things from a more rational perspective or on the other hand with more of your emotional side, then it is helpful to talk to someone who utilizes your opposite function to help you see things from the opposite point of view. Sometimes you need others’ insight to give you the clarity that’s needed to make better decisions. Remember that it is okay to be lead by your heart more but to not forget to think about things with your head as well because a little balance of both can really go a long way and often is the key to everything.