Many people believe our feelings get in the way of our ability to make rational decisions. However that belief assumes that our feelings are something that we cannot control, shift or tend to.
When we learn to view our feelings as a form of data and we become skilled in identifying the moment to moment change in our feelings, emotions can become an essential factor in rational decision making.
For feelings to become this type of aid, we must become well-versed in naming what we are feeling in any given moment (fear, hurt, anger, sadness, joy). If we skip this step, then feelings inevitably cloud reality.
It is hard to think straight when you are in such a state of overwhelm that you cannot identify that you are scared and hurt. It is equally difficult to rationally decide whether to pursue a project/relationship/next adventure when you can’t distinguish the difference between genuine fear and excitement wrapped in anxiety.
Focus on feeling first, and rational thoughts will follow.