Trusting Your Intuition: Unlocking Your Inner Knowing
Ever felt out of touch with yourself? Like you’re a machine for everyone else? By the time you finally have time for you, you’re exhausted and running on autopilot? I know the feeling. In a world overflowing with information and demands, listening to our intuition often gets pushed to the backburner—because we've gotta get s*&% done, right? But what if, in the hustle of life, we’re missing the very compass that could guide us through the chaos? This constant push to perform can drown out our inner voice, leading us to decisions that may not truly serve us.
The Power of Intuition
Intuition is that gut feeling or instinct nudging you toward a particular direction. It's built from your experiences, knowledge, emotions, and I would argue, the heart's intelligence. When you learn to listen and trust this inner voice, you empower yourself to make decisions that resonate with your true self. While it may sound fluffy, there’s a real point here: we have both cognitive logic and heart intelligence (our subconscious). Strive to make space for both.
Consider the dating scene: Someone might seem perfect on paper (cognitive intelligence), yet when you're together, there’s no chemistry, and you know it’s not going to work (heart intelligence). That doesn’t mean they aren’t a great person; it simply means they’re not right for you.
Personal Experience
I remember a time when I was at a crossroads in my career. Despite the pressure to follow a conventional path, my intuition whispered—and sometimes screamed—that a different route would be more fulfilling. Ignoring that voice (for fear of not being "expert" enough and fear of judgment) led to unfulfillment and burnout. When we don't enjoy the work we do or lack a clear path beyond it, burnout often follows. But when I finally listened to my intuition, that burnout melted away, replaced by a sense of fulfillment.
Practical Tips to Hone Your Intuition
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to physical sensations. Tightness in your chest or a sinking feeling in your stomach can be indicators. Cross-reference what you “know” you should do with what you “want” to do, all while keeping your goals in mind. Coaching can be a great support here.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings. Reflecting on past decisions can help you identify patterns in your intuition.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Quieting your mind creates space for your inner voice. How often do you hold space for stillness rather than filling your ears with someone else’s messages? While external insights are valuable, listening to yourself is equally important.
Seek Solitude: Carve out quiet moments in your day to reflect and tune into your inner voice.
Trust Small Decisions: Start by making small choices based on intuition to build your confidence. For instance, share an idea in a meeting rather than letting fear silence you.
The more you practice listening to that inner voice, the clearer it becomes. What might happen if you leaned into that voice a little more? Trusting your intuition is a journey—one that can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
