Why You’re Probably Not Making Authentic Decisions (Yet)
Let’s get real.
How many times have you made a decision that looked great on paper but felt off? You followed the “logical” path, checked all the right boxes, yet something deep inside whispered, This isn’t it.
That’s because most of us have been trained to make decisions from our heads, not our hearts.
We analyze. We overthink. We prioritize what’s “safe” and “expected.” We fear disappointing others. And we lose touch with what we actually want.
The problem?
When you live from the head without integrating your heart, your life starts to feel like a series of well-calculated compromises instead of a bold, fulfilling adventure.
But here’s the kicker: authentic decision-making isn’t about ignoring logic. It’s about harmonizing logic with your deepest values, emotions, and intuition.
And that’s what we’re diving into today.
What Does It Mean to ‘Live From the Heart’?
Living from the heart doesn’t mean throwing all caution to the wind and making reckless decisions. (This isn’t a movie montage of you quitting your job, hopping on a plane, and moving to Bali overnight.)
It means:
- Being deeply aware of what matters to you—your values, your desires, your truth.
- Recognizing the subtle ‘gut feelings’ that signal alignment (or misalignment).
- Making decisions that FEEL right, not just LOOK right.
When you make choices from this place, life starts to feel effortless. Not because it’s easy—but because you’re no longer fighting against yourself.
The #1 Mistake People Make When Trying to ‘Live Authentically’
Here’s the tricky part: society rewards the opposite of heart-centered living.
- The corporate world wants you to optimize for stability.
- Social media pressures you to chase external validation.
- Family and friends (with good intentions) often push you toward paths they think are best.
So you start making head-based decisions that look like this:
✔ “This career makes sense because it pays well.”
✔ “This relationship seems logical because we’ve been together for years.”
✔ “This business idea is what’s trending right now.”
But here’s the million-dollar question:
👉 Does it feel right?
Because if the answer is no, then no amount of logic is going to turn it into a soul-aligned decision.
Living from the heart means making choices that:
✅ Align with your core values.
✅ Excite and energize you (even if they scare you a little).
✅ Create long-term fulfillment, not just short-term comfort.
How to Actually Make Authentic Decisions (Step-by-Step Guide)
You don’t need a life overhaul to start making better choices. You just need awareness and a system to check in with yourself.
Step 1: Pause Before Big Decisions
Most people rush into decisions because they’re uncomfortable with uncertainty. But clarity doesn’t come from speed—it comes from space.
Try this:
- Before making any major decision, pause for 24 hours.
- Instead of analyzing pros and cons right away, check in with how you feel about it.
- Ask: If I completely trusted myself, what would I choose?
Your first instinct is often your most honest one.
Step 2: Identify Your Core Values
You can’t make authentic decisions if you don’t know what authentic means for you.
Take five minutes to answer these:
- What are the top 3 values that matter most to me?
- Where in my life am I currently out of alignment with these values?
- What decisions could I make to bring my life back into alignment?
Example: If freedom is a top value, yet your job feels like a prison, it’s time to explore changes that give you more autonomy.
Step 3: Tune Into Your Body’s Signals
Your body is smarter than your brain in many ways. It constantly gives you physical signals about what’s right or wrong for you.
Here’s what to look for:
- Expansion vs. Contraction: Does the decision make you feel open, light, and excited? Or tight, heavy, and drained?
- Energy Shift: When you think about a choice, do you feel energized or exhausted?
- Gut Instinct: If you had to decide in 10 seconds, what would your gut say?
Your body has been right more times than you think. Start listening to it.
Step 4: Balance Logic with Heart Intelligence
This isn’t about choosing between logic and intuition—it’s about integrating them.
Try this 3-question framework:
- What does my heart say? (What feels aligned? What excites me?)
- What does my mind say? (What are the practical considerations?)
- How can I create a decision that honors both? (What’s the middle path?)
Example: If your heart wants to quit your 9-5 to start a business, and your mind is freaking out about financial stability, your middle path might be: building a side hustle before fully transitioning.
Authenticity doesn’t mean throwing logic away—it means using it in service of what actually matters to you.
Real-Life Examples of Heart-Based Decision Making
💡 Career Shift:
A corporate executive realized his true passion was coaching. Instead of quitting overnight, he built his coaching practice on the side until he was ready to go all-in.
💡 Relationship Decisions:
A woman ended a long-term relationship, not because anything was wrong, but because she knew deep down it wasn’t fully right. Years later, she met someone who aligned perfectly with her heart’s desires.
💡 Personal Growth:
A guy struggling with burnout started prioritizing his well-being—not by making dramatic life changes, but by implementing small, daily habits that honored his energy.
The common thread? Alignment over external expectations.
Final Thoughts: The Courage to Trust Yourself
Living from the heart isn’t always the easiest path, but it’s the one that leads to the deepest fulfillment.
It requires:
✔ Letting go of societal pressures.
✔ Trusting your intuition, even when it doesn’t make sense yet.
✔ Choosing long-term joy over short-term comfort.
So, I’ll leave you with this:
👉 What’s one decision you can make TODAY that brings you closer to your heart’s truth?
Whatever it is, trust it. Your heart already knows the way.
Next Steps: Take This Further
💡 If you’re ready to go deeper, check out The Curiosity Compass: A Guide to Authentic Living, where we dive into curiosity, emotional intelligence, and mastering heart-centered decision-making.
🚀 Want personal guidance? Book a coaching session to start aligning your life with your truth today.
Let’s make decisions that don’t just look good on paper—but feel right in our souls.
