The head is for survival. The heart is for expansion.

In Chapter 6 of “Leading With the Heart” I share the story of my first abusive relationship. The chapter is titled, “Why We Accept Less Than We Deserve.”

Whether at work, in romance, or with friends and family, why would we entertain any relationship that depletes more than uplifts us?

The simplest way to say it? Our brains will default to familiarity over something new, any day!

And if that something new we are seeking is being honored and respected at work, home or anywhere out in the world, it is not the head we need to hear from.

What I discovered is that the brain is designed to routinize our ways of being. To keep our lives the same—small, controllable, and predictable.

To the brain, the unknown is a danger. And if what we “know” is to be disrespected, neglected, dishonored or even abused in some way, it explains why so many of us may remain in situations that bring more harm than good.

The head is for survival. The heart is for expansion.

Learning to lead with the heart will guide us to the places that uplift and fulfill us—allowing us to live more and give more to those around us. It takes time and practice to build this new way of living, but it is the single best investment I have ever discovered.