Let Purpose Drive (Even When Feelings Shout Louder)
As I sat down to write this blog, I pulled up an earlier draft titled: “Follow your purpose, not your feelings.” The thing is, that draft had only a title — no content. But it was like a container waiting to be filled.
And as I stared at the title, wondering what I had to pour into this empty vessel, a wave of seemingly random thoughts and observations from the week came to mind:
The business owner's (that is, my) dance between being visible on social media vs. not overselling
The belief that everything holds a sign for those who reflect
The observation that decision-makers often ignore sound, evidence-based advice and do what they planned anyway
And the mental mess of realising (again) that I need to narrow my focus even further.
Pretty random, right?
But if, as that second thought suggests, everything really does hold a sign for those who reflect… then maybe these thoughts aren’t random at all. Maybe they’re pointing to something.
That reflection helped bring things into perspective.
First, I realised this week has been quieter in terms of activity, but my mind? Zooming at 120km/h (legal in some countries — don’t judge). It’s felt like that weird moment when you step off a treadmill and your body’s still moving, but your brain’s like: “What are you doing, you dunce?” Momentum still playing tricks on your limbs and all. So it's no wonder these thoughts surfaced.
Second, I started to see a thread connecting it all — like a badly knitted sweater (or some countries' roads). And here’s what it looked like:
1. Visibility vs. overselling: The entrepreneur’s dilemma
I’ve felt it — that twitchy pause before hitting “post.” The inner voice whispering: “Don’t be too much.”
“Be visible!” vs. “Don’t be too visible.”
“Show up!” vs. “Don’t be annoying.”
What’s stopping me from pushing send? Usually, it’s a feeling: fear.
But what should be leading that decision? Purpose.
The irony? It’s usually the most genuine, grounded people who worry about overselling. Meanwhile, the loudest ones online rarely stop to ask whether they’ve earned the space.
If we let that fear steer the ship, we disappear — quietly.
And purpose? It doesn’t live in hiding.
2. Everything has a sign in it… if we’re paying attention
There are multiple verses in the Qur’an that say: “Indeed in that [the heavens and the earth] are signs for those who reflect.”
And yet some others end with: “…but most of them do not reflect.”
That second part hits me every time. It helped me make sense of the week’s randomness — and something else.
I’ve had things I thought were in the past come back to haunt me. The angst of recurrence threatened to pull me toward unproductive action. But instead of feeling haunted, I asked:
What’s the purpose of this recurring theme? This difficult pattern?
What if I’m not being tormented — but taught? The signs are there. But we miss them because feelings often get in the way.
Reflection is a muscle. And when we build it, we start seeing purpose in what once looked like noise.
3. Ignoring advice & following your “gut”
We love to say “trust your gut” — and yes, intuition matters. It’s a compass. But sometimes our “gut” is just fear in disguise. Or ego. Or biases acting out. Or burnout, dressed up as “a sign.”
Like when someone asks for advice, nods politely, then does what they were going to do anyway.
Sorry, but that’s not instinct — that’s attachment. I’ve done it. We all have. Because feelings are loud. They want relief.
But relief is not the same as resolution.
Acting on a feeling gives a temporary high. But acting from purpose? That’s often the harder road.
Because purpose asks more of us. It asks us to sit with discomfort. To delay gratification.
And sometimes, to disappoint others now for a greater good later.
4. Narrowing focus (again)
Niching down isn’t just a business move. It’s an identity shift.
“I help everyone” sounds noble — but often, it’s a cover for not wanting to choose. And not choosing? That’s just fear of committing.
But when we get clear on who we’re really here for, we stop chasing every opportunity.
That’s scary. But it’s also strategic.
Feelings say: Don’t close the door!
Purpose says: You can’t serve deeply if you serve indiscriminately.
The thread: Purpose, the rebel act
And so the thread revealed itself.
Feelings are fleeting. Algorithms are fickle. Trends change overnight.
But purpose? Purpose is quiet.
It doesn’t shout. It waits for you to return.
In a world ruled by algorithms, attention spans and dopamine loops, holding to your purpose is radical.
It’s choosing to stay anchored when everything around you rewards reacting.
So here’s where I landed this week:
Let your feelings speak — but don’t let them lead.
Let purpose do the driving. Especially when it’s hard. Especially when it’s quiet. Especially when it feels like no one’s watching.
Anyone can follow a feeling. But purpose? That takes guts.
👉🏽 What about you?
Where in your life are feelings calling the shots lately?
And what would it look like to put purpose back in the driver’s seat?
If this sparked something, hit share or drop me a message. I’d love to know what thread you’re pulling at this week.
