Why Alignment Matters (and Why Logic Alone Won’t Save You)

Have you ever made a decision that seemed completely logical, yet it just didn’t feel right? You’re not alone. Many people stay in jobs that look impressive on paper but leave them feeling drained. Others say yes to opportunities that make perfect sense but don’t resonate with their core beliefs. This disconnect is what I call misalignment; when your head, heart, and gut aren’t in sync.

I've experienced this myself, learned from it, and now coach others to navigate similar challenges. This is exactly why I created Season 2 of the Hit Your Target podcast: to share insights on aligning your logical, emotional, and intuitive intelligences for a more fulfilled life.

Understanding Misalignment

Misalignment happens when our thoughts, feelings, and instincts disagree. For instance, you might decide to accept a job offer because of a high salary, only to feel a pit in your stomach when you think about leaving your current position. This internal conflict can lead to stress and dissatisfaction, causing significant burnout over time.

When we prioritise logic at the expense of our feelings, we risk making choices that don’t serve us. Research indicates that nearly 55% of employees report feeling disengaged at work, often because their roles don’t align with their values or passions.

The Three Intelligences

You have three brains, not one. Sounds strange, right? But neuroscience confirms it: you don’t just have one brain. You have three separate neural networks that process, remember, and guide behaviour:

1. Logical Intelligence (The Head Brain): The analytical side that evaluates options, weighs pros and cons, and makes decisions based on hard data. For example, analysing job salaries, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

   
   

2. Emotional Intelligence (The Heart Brain): Understanding our feelings and those of others. This intelligence helps us build relationships and make decisions that resonate with our core values. A 2019 study revealed that 90% of top performers possess high emotional intelligence.

   
   

3. Intuitive Intelligence (The Gut Brain): The gut feeling or instinct we all have. This is the inner voice that often guides us in unexpected ways. Research shows that about 70% of people report trusting their gut feelings in decision-making.

   
   

Together, they form your internal leadership team. But like any leadership team, things go wrong when they stop talking to each other.

Imagine running a business with three directors who never talk to each other.

• The Head Director is obsessed with spreadsheets.

• The Heart Director focuses on people and culture.

• The Gut Director takes action and trusts instinct.

  
  

If they all make decisions in isolation, chaos follows; confusion, wasted energy, mixed messages. But when they sit down together, share perspectives, and make joint decisions? The business thrives.

That’s alignment. And your body works exactly the same way.

The Dangers of Relying Solely on Logic

Focusing only on logic can create a divide between our decisions and our true selves. For example, if you base a career choice solely on salary and forget to consider your passion for helping others, you might end up feeling unfulfilled despite a hefty paycheck.

Overthinking is another risk. A recent study found that over 80% of adults frequently experience overthinking, which can lead to paralysis by analysis. When we dwell too much on the logical side, we might overlook what truly matters - our passions and joy.

The Power of Alignment

Alignment holds tremendous potential. When our head, heart, and gut are in sync, our decisions feel right and lead to greater satisfaction in both personal and professional spheres. For instance, if you contemplate changing careers, aligning your intelligences might guide you toward a role that not only offers a competitive salary but also fulfills your desire to impact others positively.

Consider the story of Sarah, who switched from a corporate job to starting her own nonprofit. Initially, logic said to stay for financial security. But after aligning all three intelligences, she realised that shaping lives fulfilled her more than any paycheck ever could.

Practical Steps to Achieve Alignment

Achieving alignment can take time, but here are a few practical steps to guide you:

• Self-Reflection: Spend time pondering your values and goals. Journaling can be an excellent way to clarify your thoughts and feelings.

  
  

• Listen to Your Emotions: Pay attention to how different choices make you feel. If a decision doesn’t sit well with you, explore why it feels off.

  
  

• Trust Your Gut: Your intuition is a powerful ally. If you sense something strongly about a decision, take that feeling seriously.

  
  

• Seek Feedback: Discuss your thoughts with trusted friends or mentors who can provide valuable perspectives.

  
  

The Role of Coaching in Alignment

Coaching can be an important tool for those seeking alignment. A coach can help you identify misalignment and facilitate the journey to harmonise your logical, emotional, and intuitive intelligences.

Through coaching sessions, you can gain clarity about your core values and develop strategies for aligned decision-making. This process can significantly boost your confidence, allowing you to trust your instincts more effectively.

In a world that often prioritises logic over feelings, it’s essential to remember that alignment truly matters. By aligning our logical, emotional, and intuitive intelligences, we can make decisions that genuinely reflect who we are.

Next time you face a tough choice, pause to check in with all three aspects of yourself. You may discover that the solution doesn’t lie solely in logic but in a balance of your head, heart, and gut.

By embracing alignment, you can live a more satisfying life, both personally and professionally. Always remember, it’s not only about making logical choices; it’s about ensuring those choices feel right for you.

Trust in your instincts, listen to your heart, and let your logic guide you but keep them aligned for a truly enriching journey.

Ready to Realign?

If this resonated with you, you might be ready for a sucess reboot - my one-to-one coaching process is designed to help professionals and leaders reconnect to their purpose, ove

rcome decision paralysis, and act with confidence and clarity.

🎯 Book a free Clarity Call to discover which brain is leading your life right now.