On Paper vs. In Heart

In Season 2 Episode 8 of Friends, Chandler and Joey help Ross make a pros and cons list of his 2 love interests, Julie and Rachel.

In less than 30 seconds, Ross spews 4 bad qualities about Rachel. He says she's spoiled, just a waitress, ditzy, and a bit more vain than the average person.

Julie, being a beautiful, friendly, and funny paleontologist ticks all of Ross's boxes. But when the boys get to Julie's "con" list, Ross simply says "she's not Rachel."

Rachel's "con" list is more extensive than Julies "pro" list, yet he ends up picking Rachel.

On paper, something can seem perfect—it can have all the qualifications and fill in all the boxes—but without the visceral spark and desire, you'll be left feeling empty.

Whether it's a partner with all the boxes checked, or a business idea with all the right projections, or a job with the right salary and hours, if it doesn't feel right in your gut—in your heart—then it probably isn't right for you.

Final Thoughts

As objective as we try to live, we cannot ignore that at our core we are subjective creatures.

Facts and logic can only go so far, remind yourself that you are an emotional creature driven by a wrinkly noodle, microscopic chemicals, and a full-sized aortic pump.