Learning to trust your gut instinct, or intuition, is an important skill that can help keep you safe and guide you in making sound decisions. Your gut can provide valuable insights and help you build confidence and resilience. Personally, I have experienced the benefits of trusting my gut on multiple occasions, including making career choices and other major decisions. However, I have also learned the hard way about the consequences of ignoring my instincts and regretting it later.

In this article, we will explore why and how you should listen to your gut, as well as provide some concrete tips on how to make the most out of your gut instincts.

The first step in listening to your gut is to take a moment to tune into yourself and your inner compass. Sometimes, we may hear our own voice saying yes to something while silently screaming no inside. In such situations, it is important to take a breath, pause, and check in with yourself before responding. Give the answer that feels congruent with who you are and what you want, rather than simply following the crowd. Trusting your gut often requires the courage to go against the majority and hold your own.

Your body can provide valuable clues when faced with a big decision. Pay attention to any physical reactions or discomfort you may feel, such as blushing, being lost for words, or shaking. Instead of trying to hide or suppress these reactions, use them as indicators to make informed choices. Some people may even experience a physical sensation, such as a stomach ache or indigestion, when faced with an uncomfortable situation. Reflect on the reasons behind these reactions and explore what they can teach you about yourself, the situation, or other people. Sometimes, you may have a feeling that something is not right without being able to explain it. Trusting this intuition can guide you away from potential dangers, even if you don’t understand the reason behind it. The book “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell also supports this idea, suggesting that our subconscious mind is often better at processing information and providing reliable conclusions than our conscious mind.

It is important to ensure that your head is clear before making any decision. Factors such as energy levels, sleep, and nutrition play a significant role in nourishing both our minds and bodies. If you are hungry, tired, or anxious, it is advisable to take some time to eat, rest, or address your concerns before making an important choice. There is a connection between our gut and our brain, and emotions or stress can manifest as physical feelings. Ignoring these signals can do more harm than good.

Don’t be afraid to speak up and voice your thoughts and feelings. Listening to your gut sometimes involves taking a stand and being counted. Being self-reliant and knowing what you truly want and what aligns with your personal and business values is crucial. This may involve going against the safe option and taking risks, which help us learn and grow. When taking risks or making unpopular decisions, it can be helpful to do your research and gather facts to support your gut instinct. This will not only minimize risks but also reinforce your confidence in your intuition.

Challenging your assumptions is another important aspect of listening to your gut. We often make decisions based on assumptions, whether consciously or unconsciously. To ensure that your instincts are wise, question the assumptions you are making and be aware of them. This applies not only to your own decision-making but also when listening to others. By being aware of your assumptions, you can become a better listener and decision-maker.

Educating yourself on unconscious bias is also crucial when it comes to trusting your gut. Unconscious bias is a part of being human and can affect our decisions without us realizing it. Our brains process information unconsciously and form patterns based on societal conditioning and upbringing. We tend to gravitate towards people who belong to the same group as us, and unconscious bias can influence our decisions and relationships. By becoming aware of our own bias and challenging it, we can make better decisions that are not biased towards our own view of the world.

Trusting your gut instinct is a powerful tool that can lead to better decision-making and greater personal growth. By tuning into your body, ensuring your head is clear, speaking up, doing thorough research, challenging assumptions, and educating yourself on unconscious bias, you can harness the power of your intuition and make more informed choices. So, the next time you have a gut feeling, listen to it and let it guide you towards safety and success.