Where did my intuition go?
Ever wondered how to make that really tough decision?? You know, the one about whether you should stay in this job or take the leap into something else? Or the one about launching that new idea or not? Even the one about eating that extra block of chocolate versus getting up early for gym?
We are faced with decisions at almost every juncture of the day. Some being much easier to conquer than others. While some leave us crippled and stuck.
It’s natural for us to defer to others for help in decision making at times in our lives. And in fact, sometimes we need that. With all the access to information we now have, we have countless opportunities to consult with the widest variety of opinions we’ve ever had on offer. But after all the reading, asking and talking is done, how do we really know what' to decide? Who to listen to? What to base it on?
Psychology tells us that decision making is usually heavily cognitive. The science behind choice is usually one of ‘weighing things up’ based on a range of criteria that individuals have, such as values, beliefs, facts, logic, urgency and numerous more.
We now know that it’s a combination of intuition and rational thinking. And these days more than ever, our intuition seems to be blunted, fading and a bit forgotten about. This leaves us out of balance and often making decisions that might start to drift over time further and further away from our core, our truth.
How do we get in touch with our intuition more, you say? Well… start by slowing down, observing, and listening to yourself. Nothing too woo-woo. Just keep it simple. For example, check in with what you really feel like for breakfast before you automatically reach for the toast. Place a hand on your stomach if you prefer to be tactile while you get used to finding out what more about what your actual self wants.
You can trial this throughout the day and slow down the processes and behaviours that have become so automated. Widening the space between need and decision, so that you can consider your options and really try to feel into a response, will help and get easier with practice.
Why not give it a try, what’s the worst that could happen! You might find that you start to experience greater satisfaction and enjoyment in simple, everyday things. Or that you start to feel an increased confidence within yourself, from listening to what actually resonates with you.
Life is made up of all the big and small yes’s and no’s we decide. Do you want to look back and have lived a life you thought was expected of you? Or the life you wished you’d had the courage to have?
Where are your daily choices leading you?