20 Science-Backed Reasons to Follow Your Heart ❤️‍🔥

Anyone who knows me well knows how often I say my main "advice":

Today I'm sharing some of the scientific findings behind why you should do what you think is cool and follow your heart.  

Follow your intentions and interests. It leads to a greater sense of personal fulfillment and happiness.

There's a unique spark that ignites within us when we engage in activities that we love. It's like a little flame that keeps growing and growing. The flame feeds off our passion and enthusiasm. We all have certain things that excite us. Yet, too often, we let the opinions of others or societal norms dictate what we should do instead of what we desire. We should all strive to do what we think is cool and follow our hearts. By doing so, we tap into our true selves. As a result, we experience greater personal fulfillment and happiness. So ask yourself, what makes you feel alive? What sets your soul on fire? Go do that, and watch as the world falls into place.

• Sheldon, K. M., & Elliot, A. J. (1999). Goal striving, need satisfaction, and longitudinal well-being: The self-concordance model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(3), 482-497.

Pursuing your passions can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Life is too short to waste it on things that don't excite us. Following your heart and doing what you think is cool is not only fulfilling. It can also have positive effects on your mental health. Studies have shown that pursuing your passions reduces stress and anxiety levels. So why not take the leap and try that hobby or career path that you've always dreamed of? Don't let fear or societal pressures hold you back from living your best life. As the saying goes, "Do what you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." So follow your heart, and let your passions guide you towards a happy and fulfilling life.

• Stoeber, J., & Janssen, D. P. (2011). Perfectionism and coping with daily failures: Positive reframing helps achieve satisfaction at the end of the day. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 24(5), 477-497.

Suppressing your true interests and desires can lead to resentment and regret later in life.

Life is too short to live it anything less than fully. Suppressing your true interests and desires deprives you of the experiences you crave. It also leads to resentment towards yourself and others. As the saying goes, you only regret the chances you didn't take. So, why not take a leap of faith and follow your heart? Pursue what makes you happy and what makes you feel alive. Don't be afraid to try new things or to take risks. After all, life is not a dress rehearsal, and you deserve to live it to the fullest. So, what are you waiting for? Follow your heart, and see where it takes you. Who knows? You might surprise yourself.

• Higgins, E. T., & Silberman, I. (1998). Development of regulatory focus: Promotion and prevention as ways of living. In J. Heckhausen & C. S. Dweck (Eds.), Motivation and self-regulation across the life span (pp. 78-113). Cambridge University Press.

Engaging in activities that you enjoy can increase feelings of self-worth and self-esteem.

Life is too short not to do what you love. Following your heart and doing what you think is cool is not only fulfilling.  It can also boost your self-esteem. This article mentioned that engaging in enjoyable activities can make you feel great about yourself. When you pursue your passions, you are at your best, and your confidence shines through. So, whether it's learning a new skill or pursuing a hobby, go ahead and take that leap of faith. Trust in yourself, and you might be amazed at your capabilities. After all, the coolest thing you can do is be true to yourself.

• Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-529.

Pursuing your own goals can lead to increased creativity and productivity.

Have you ever daydreamed about pursuing something new? A particular hobby or career path but then dismiss it as unrealistic? Well, it's time to start taking your dreams seriously. Research shows that following your heart leads to increased happiness and boosts creativity and productivity. Who wouldn't want that? So go ahead and chase after that "cool" goal that keeps popping up in your mind. Don't let anyone convince you that it's a waste of time or effort. Remember, the only limits that exist are the ones you impose on yourself. So let your imagination run wild and see where it takes you. It will surprise you how fulfilling and successful following your dreams can be.

• Oldham, G. R., & Cummings, A. (1996). Employee creativity: Personal and contextual factors at work. Academy of Management Journal, 39(3), 607-634.

Engaging in activities that you enjoy can help you develop new skills and knowledge.

As this article suggests, engaging in activities that bring you joy will not only make you happy. Still, it will also help you develop new skills and knowledge which can lead to career opportunities. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore something new that interests you. Whether it's painting, skydiving or coding, try new things, and you might find your passion. Remember, the coolest thing you can do is to be true to yourself and pursue the things that make you happy. So, go ahead, and take that leap of faith, and follow your heart!

• Mangels, J. A., Butterfield, B., Lamb, J., Good, C., & Dweck, C. S. (2006). Why do beliefs about intelligence influence learning success? A social cognitive neuroscience model. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 1(2), 75-86.

Listening to others' opinions without considering your own desires can result in a lack of motivation and engagement in your activities.

When it comes to living your life and pursuing your dreams, there's only one person you should listen to: yourself. Sure, other people may have opinions on what's cool or what you should do, but who knows you better than you? Trust your instincts and follow your heart, even if it means going against the grain. When you're doing what you think is cool, you'll feel a sense of excitement and passion that can't be replicated by simply following someone else's path. So, be fearless in your pursuits and don't let other people's opinions hold you back. After all, the coolest thing you can do is be true to yourself.

• Gagné, M., & Deci, E. L. (2005). Self-determination theory and work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), 331-362.

Suppressing your true intentions can undermine your sense of authenticity and confidence.

Life is too short to live with regret, and the concept of success can be subjective. Doing what you think is cool may deter others' opinions, but it’s your journey, not theirs. By following your heart, you can discover your passions and purpose better. Suppressing your true intentions can undermine your authenticity and confidence, which are vital to your success. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and challenge yourself to pursue your wildest dreams. Sometimes it takes taking that leap of faith to reach new heights of fulfillment. Life is what you make of it, so why not make it cool and unique in your way!

• Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.

Following your own interests can lead to greater success in your personal and professional life.

Are you tired of doing what others expect of you? It's time to break free and start doing what you think is cool. This article mentioned that following your heart can bring greater success in your life, and I couldn't agree more. When you pursue your passions, you're more likely to put in the effort it takes to achieve your goals. Plus, the happiness that comes from doing what you love is contagious. It seeps into every aspect of your life, making you a more positive and motivated person. So why live a life that isn't true to yourself? Take the leap and follow your heart, and who knows what kind of success you'll find.

• Elliot, A. J., & Harackiewicz, J. M. (1994). Goals, performance, and the self-schema: Distinguishing the roles of personal memories and contextual cues in self-regulation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 66(5), 862-877.

Doing what you are passionate about can help you develop a strong sense of purpose and meaning in life.

The article below highlights the importance of pursuing your passions. It can help you find a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Wasting your time doing something that doesn't excite you is a recipe for a lackluster and unfulfilling existence. Think about what makes your heart sing and follow that path. It's not going to be easy, but it's going to be worth it. Remember, the happiest people in life are those who followed their hearts and did what they loved. So, go ahead and chase your dreams with determination and enthusiasm!

• Vallerand, R. J., Blanchard, C., Mageau, G. A., Koestner, R., Ratelle, C. F., Leonard, M., ... & Marsolais, J. (2003). Les passions de l'ame: On obsessive and harmonious passion. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(4), 756-767.

Suppressing your true desires can lead to feelings of confusion and lack of direction.

Have you ever held back on your true desires because you worried about what others would think? It's a common worry, but the truth is that suppressing your passions can leave you feeling lost and directionless. Instead of worrying about anyone else's opinion, focus on your own heart and what you think is cool. Pursuing what excites you might seem daunting at first, but the rewards are immeasurable. There's nothing more fulfilling than achieving great things through sheer passion and determination. So, don't be afraid to take a leap of faith and follow your heart. You never know where it might lead you!

• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Publications.
  

Pursuing your own goals can help you overcome obstacles and setbacks with increased resilience.

Doing what you think is cool means taking risks and facing obstacles head-on. It builds confidence that comes from knowing you are living a life true to yourself. And according to this article, it means having increased resilience to setbacks. So, why not chase after that dream job, pick up a new hobby, or start a business? Life is too short to live the status quo. Embrace your unique interests and talents, and watch as the world opens up. Trust me; your heart knows what's best for you.

• Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218-226.

Engaging in activities that you enjoy can foster strong relationships with others.

When you engage in activities that you enjoy, you are not only happier. You are also more likely to be social and connect with like-minded individuals. These new connections can lead to meaningful relationships. They can also bring opportunities that you may not have had otherwise. So don't be afraid to explore your passions and pursue what you love.

• Duck, S. (1994). Relating to others (Vol. 273). McGraw-Hill Education (UK).

Listening to others' opinions can lead to feelings of disempowerment and lack of control in your life.

You know what's cool? Doing what you truly want to do, regardless of what anyone else thinks. It's easy to get caught up in the opinions of others, but at the end of the day, you are the one who has to live with your decisions. Following your heart may not always be the easiest path, but it will undoubtedly lead you to where you're meant to be. Don't let fear or other people's opinions hold you back from living your best life. Embrace your individuality, let your passions guide you, and don't be afraid to take risks. You deserve to feel empowered and in control of your own life, and the only way to achieve that is by doing what you think is cool. So go out there and chase your dreams, because the world needs more people who follow their hearts.

• Skinner, E. A., & Belmont, M. J. (1993). Motivation in the classroom: Reciprocal effects of teacher behavior and student engagement across the school year. Journal of Educational Psychology, 85(4), 571-581.

Doing what you're passionate about can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding of oneself.

When it comes to choosing a path in life, there's always going to be outside opinions and pressures. But at the end of the day, the only voice that truly matters is your own. Doing what you think is cool and following your heart may seem like cliche advice, but it's a truth that's stood the test of time. When we pursue our passions, we not only open ourselves up to unique experiences, but we also gain a greater sense of self-awareness. In a world that constantly tells us who we should be, it takes courage to embrace who we truly are. So go ahead, follow that dream that fills you with excitement and joy. You never know where it may lead you.

• Vallerand, R. J. (1997). Toward a hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 29, 271-360.

Suppressing your true desires can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Following your heart and doing what you think is cool may seem daunting, especially if someone else has been "pulling your strings". But that alternative is far worse. Suppressing your true desires can lead to a life of regret and isolation. So, let's take a leap of faith and embrace what makes you feel alive. Whether it's pursuing a passion or making a drastic career change, trust me, it's worth it. Don't let fear hold you back from a life full of excitement, adventure, and most importantly, joy. Take the first step, be brave, and follow your heart. Who knows where it might lead you?

• Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-529.

Pursuing your own goals can increase your life satisfaction and sense of well-being.

It's easy to get caught up in the expectations and opinions of others, but the only person who truly knows what's best for you is you. So why not make your own decisions and pursue your own goals? According to a recent study, doing so can increase your overall life satisfaction and sense of well-being. Who wouldn't want that? Don't waste another second living a life that doesn't excite you. Step away from the crowd and blaze your own trail. Trust me, it's worth it in the end.

• Kim-Prieto, C., Diener, E., Tamir, M., Scollon, C., & Diener, M. (2005). Integrating the diverse definitions of happiness: A time-sequential framework of subjective well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 6(3), 261-300.

Engaging in enjoyable activities can help you make better use of your time and energy.

Life is too short to waste time doing things that don't bring us joy. That's why I say follow your heart and do what you think is cool. Not only does it make life more enjoyable.  It can also help you prioritize your time and energy more effectively, as this article mentioned. When doing something we love, we're more likely to put in the effort and stay focused until the task is done. Pursuing our passions can lead to real fulfillment. So, I challenge you to take a step back and see what excites you, and then go for it. What do you have to lose? It might even lead you to unimaginable opportunities and success.

• Theelen, M. M. P., Boselie, J. J. L., & de Reuver, R. S. M. (2018). Being personally interested: A qualitative study into salient attributes shifting IT-decision makers' attention. Journal of Business Research, 88, 102-111.

Listening to others' opinions can rob you of opportunities to grow and develop as a person.

We live in a world where we're being bombarded with opinions and expectations from others. It can be easy to lose sight of what truly makes us happy. We may find ourselves conforming to societal norms, neglecting our unique passions. But what's the point of living a life that's not authentic to who we are? As this article suggests, we must learn to listen to ourselves and follow our hearts, even if it means going against the grain. By doing so, we open ourselves up to new experiences, and we may inspire others to do the same. At the end of the day, doing what you think is cool is the coolest thing you can do.

• Amabile, T. M., & Kramer, S. J. (2011). The progress principle: Using small wins to ignite joy, engagement, and creativity at work. Harvard Business Review Press.

Doing what you're passionate about can lead to long-term success and career satisfaction.

There's a reason why the phrase "follow your heart" has been around for centuries - because it works! It's hard to deny that doing what you're interested in can lead to profound joy and fulfillment. But did you know that pursuing your passions can also lead to greater professional success? That's right - according to the article, those who engage in work that aligns with their values and interests are more likely to stick with it long term. And they experience higher levels of job satisfaction. So don't be afraid to embrace your inner weirdness and chase that wild idea that keeps you up at night. Who knows where it could take you?

• Guay, F., Vallerand, R. J., & Blanchard, C. (2000). On the assessment of situational intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: The Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS). Motivation and Emotion, 24(3), 175-213.

Conclusion

Thanks for exploring the importance of doing what you think is cool. Following one's passions and interests to lead a fulfilling life. I cited a lot of science that highlights the benefits of engaging in activities that you think are cool. Benefits include increased motivation, focus, and personal satisfaction. As I've shown, prioritizing one's desires and aspirations is crucial for individual growth. It can lead to greater success and career satisfaction in the long run. Additionally, you must to listen to yourself and block out external pressures and expectations. This lets you stay true to your unique identity and values. By doing this, you open yourself up to new experiences and opportunities that can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.