Radar | Jul 28,2024
Sep 14 , 2024
By Kidist Yidnekachew
I am not one to engage in New Year’s resolutions. However, I do believe in acknowledging the aspects of ourselves we wish to change. This pursuit should come without the pressure of arbitrary deadlines. What truly matters is the process of self-improvement, as reaching goals remains the focus, no matter how long it takes.
The past year has taught me the value of prioritising my happiness and fulfilment, while also recognising the need not to let emotions fully dictate my decisions. It is essential to find a balance between feelings and logic, a lesson that has been crucial for personal growth.
I came across Psychologist Jordan Peterson's (PhD) commentaries on such issues which caught my attention. It cautions that an overemphasis on happiness can lead to unintended consequences. Ethical commitments and long-term benefits, he argues, should sometimes take precedence over immediate desires or emotional impulses.
One key reason to avoid allowing emotions to govern choices is their subjective and fleeting nature. Shaped by personal experiences and context, emotions may cloud judgment, leading to impulsive decisions. Prioritising reason offers a more stable foundation for aligning actions with long-term goals and values.
Peterson suggests that sole reliance on emotions breeds persistent dissatisfaction. While the pursuit of happiness is valid, it usually feels elusive, tied to external factors like approval, wealth, or favourable circumstances. This fixation on happiness then leads to disappointment, frustration, and even a profound sense of emptiness.
While emotions shape experiences, they also have limits. It is important to recognise the value of rational thought in navigating decisions. Building lives of purpose and stronger connections with others is possible by focusing on ethical and long-term considerations rather than short-term emotional gains.
In daily interactions, there are people with whom one may not immediately connect, whether due to personal biases, past experiences, or personality differences. It is crucial, however, that these feelings do not dictate how others are treated. Fairness and reason should guide interactions, helping maintain respect for every individual, regardless of personal emotions.
Emphasising reason over emotion enriches relationships. Treating others with fairness and respect—even when there is no personal liking—creates an environment of trust and collaboration. How individuals treat others, especially when emotions suggest otherwise, reflects character. Rising above personal biases to align with principles strengthens self-esteem and a sense of purpose.
This year, I plan to apply these lessons more consciously. I want to be more mindful of the balance between my emotional responses and rational decisions, especially when it comes to relationships and major life choices. Prioritising reason in moments of heightened emotion, I hope to create deeper, more meaningful connections with others and make decisions that reflect my long-term values, not just fleeting desires.
Achieving a balanced perspective that integrates reason and emotion is crucial for personal growth and societal contribution. While emotions encourage empathy and connection, they may also spark conflict and misunderstanding.
Ultimately, mastering the interplay between emotion and reason leads to more fulfilling lives, defined by sustained growth, purpose, and connection. In an increasingly fast-paced and emotionally charged world, cultivating this balance is essential for personal contentment and societal progress.
PUBLISHED ON
Sep 14,2024 [ VOL
25 , NO
1272]
Radar | Jul 28,2024
Agenda | Jul 25,2020
Radar | Jul 24,2023
Viewpoints | Dec 04,2022
Life Matters | Jun 21,2025
Sunday with Eden | Jul 15,2023
Editorial | Jun 14,2025
Fortune News | Dec 30,2023
Sunday with Eden | Jun 29,2024
Fortune News | Aug 07,2021
Photo Gallery | 176899 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 167112 Views | Apr 26,2019
Photo Gallery | 157676 Views | Oct 06,2021
My Opinion | 136936 Views | Aug 14,2021
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
Oct 18 , 2025
The political establishment, notably the ruling party and its top brass, has become p...
Oct 11 , 2025
Ladislas Farago, a roving Associated Press (AP) correspondent, arrived in Ethiopia in...
Oct 4 , 2025
Eyob Tekalegn (PhD) had been in the Governor's chair for only weeks when, on Septembe...
Sep 27 , 2025
Four years into an experiment with “shock therapy” in education, the national moo...
Oct 18 , 2025 . By NAHOM AYELE
In a sweeping reform that upends nearly a decade of uniform health insurance contribu...
A bill that could transform the nutritional state sits in a limbo, even as the countr...
Oct 18 , 2025 . By SURAFEL MULUGETA
A long-planned directive to curb carbon emissions from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles h...
Oct 18 , 2025 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
Transaction advisors working with companies that hold over a quarter of a billion Bir...
Loading your updates...