The Illogical Path to My Dreams: Why Following My Heart and Soul Over Logic Was the Right Choice

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always thought of myself as someone who followed logic rather than emotion. When making decisions, I prided myself on thinking things through carefully, weighing the pros and cons, and choosing the path that made the most sense on paper. It’s the kind of approach that makes you feel in control, right?

But as I reflect on my journey, I realize something important: a lot of the choices I made, especially when it came to my own life, were guided by instinct, not logic.

Take writing, for example. Writing wasn’t a decision I made because it was a logical career move. It wasn’t the safe option or the one that would bring immediate financial security. It was quite the opposite. I left behind a good-paying job to pursue my passion for writing, despite the uncertainty and financial strain that came with it. On the surface, this seemed like an illogical decision, but looking back, I now see that it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

The Illusion of Logic:

For a long time, I stuck with my corporate job because it was what made sense. It was stable, it was secure, and it allowed me to climb the career ladder. In my mind, it was the "logical" thing to do. I could have stayed there for a few more months or even years, building savings for my business while enduring the mental anguish that came with the daily grind. I could have lived my life in this logical framework, enduring a bit of unhappiness for the sake of my future.

But here’s the thing: the toll on my mental health was too great to ignore. My job was sucking the life out of me, and while my logic told me to stay and wait for the “perfect” moment to leave, my body and mind were sending me a different message. My instinct was telling me that my peace of mind and well-being were worth more than any paycheck.

Eventually, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. The logic of staying in a job for a few more months or even a year felt hollow. It wasn’t the life I wanted. The decision to walk away wasn’t based on logic; it was based on something deeper. I had to follow my gut, and that’s when everything started to shift.

Mental Health vs. Logic:

Looking back, I can see how my mental health was deteriorating in that job. The constant pressure, stress, and feeling stuck in a routine that didn’t fulfil me all took a toll. And though I could have waited for a better financial situation or a more “logical” time to leave, I knew that my mental health couldn’t wait.

Deciding to prioritise peace over stability felt illogical at the time, but it was exactly what I needed. I wasn’t just avoiding stress; I was reclaiming my happiness. The freedom that came with that choice was something I couldn’t have predicted.

I learned that sometimes, the “logical” path isn’t always the best one. Sure, staying in a job longer could have been the more practical decision in terms of savings, but it would have cost me my well-being. My mental health was worth more than the financial security I might have gained by staying in the job longer.

Money, Childhood Experiences, and Financial Choices:

One of the most interesting things I’ve come to realize is how much my childhood shaped my financial decisions as an adult. I grew up in a family that struggled financially, and I was determined never to be a burden. I was frugal to the point of being extreme, avoiding spending money whenever possible. As a child, I rarely spent money on myself. I wanted to be as self-sufficient as I could be and help my family in any way I could.

However, once I started making money as an adult, I went to the other extreme. I had all this newfound income, and I spent it on things I’d always wanted but never had. I didn’t buy things to show off or boast my intentions were never about impressing anyone. I wanted to give myself the things I had longed for during my childhood. I bought things simply because I could. It wasn’t about materialism; it was about fulfilling desires that had been suppressed for so long.

These financial choices, while sometimes illogical, were deeply tied to my emotions and past experiences. I hadn’t fully learned how to manage money, and I certainly hadn’t yet reconciled my childhood feelings of lack. But these choices, though not always wise, were a part of my growth. I was learning, slowly but surely, how to balance my instincts and my logic when it came to money.

Moving Toward Peace:

When I finally made the leap and started my own business, I realized that the path to peace wasn’t always about doing what was logical, it was about doing what felt right for me. At the time, it felt like I was taking a huge risk, but I had come to understand that following my passion wasn’t a choice based on logic. It was about trusting myself and trusting that my peace of mind would allow me to succeed.

Starting my business wasn’t easy. There were many moments when I doubted my decision and questioned whether I was being foolish. But I stuck with it, and slowly, I began to feel more aligned with my purpose. The relief I felt from leaving my job, even when I didn’t have all the financial answers, was worth the leap. I started to realize that peace of mind and personal fulfilment were more valuable than anything else.

Now, as I continue to build my business, I see the power of trusting my instincts. Sure, logic and planning are important, but sometimes you need to take a step back and listen to what your heart and mind are telling you.

Conclusion:

Looking back, I realize that the most illogical decisions I made were the ones that led me to a life of greater fulfilment. It wasn’t about following the path that made the most sense on paper—it was about listening to my gut, honouring my mental health, and pursuing what made me truly happy.

I encourage anyone reading this to question the “logical” decisions they’re making if they feel stuck, stressed, or unhappy. Sometimes, it’s okay to take a leap of faith and follow your instincts. Life isn’t always about playing it safe; it’s about trusting yourself to find your way even when the road ahead doesn’t seem perfectly mapped out. Sabr and trust in Allah's (SWT) plan for you whilst using all of the recourses he has given you will inshallah get you where you want to be.

If I could do it, so can you. Trust yourself, listen to your heart, trust in Allah's (SWT) plan, and know that sometimes, the illogical path is the one that leads to the most rewarding destinations.

حَسْبِيَ اللّٰهُ لا إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ

H’asbiyallaah Laaa Ilaaha Illaa – Huw A’layhi Tawakkaltu Wa Huwa Rabbul A’rshil A’z’eem

Allah is sufficient for me. Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.