Oftentimes we make decisions, big and small, based on logic. And sometimes, the logical decisions are the best ones. However, sometimes you need to make decisions based on intuition, as I like to call it. Intuition is knowing that something is right when you don’t have all the facts. It’s an instinct, a sense.
What Is Intuition?
Intuition is defined as a seemingly understanding feel for situations, people, and objects. But what exactly is intuition, and how is it different from instinct?
Your intuition is a remarkably powerful force. While you may not realize it, your brain is constantly sending and receiving messages to and from the various parts of your brain. Some of these messages are information-based and logical, while others are intuitive and non-logical such as feelings or intuition.
7 Ways to Tap into Your Intuition
Tune into yourself
Have you ever considered tuning into yourself? It may sound kind of woo-woo, but tapping into your intuition or inner guidance is a powerful way to navigate daily life. Consciously utilizing your intuitive awareness can help you make the best choices, minimize stress, and create healthier relationships.
Move from doing to being
Do you ever find yourself going through the motions while doing the things you do every day? Like going to work, commuting, cooking, cleaning, but you don’t really feel all that connected to what you’re doing? You’re not really living your life; you’re just going through the motions.
Listen to your reminders
When you’re actively listening to your intuition, you’ll often think back to an event or realization that changed the way you feel about a situation. That’s your intuition telling you something. So what? That’s your intuition telling you something. So, what? Even though your intuition doesn’t physically speak to you, you can still rely on it by following your “gut feelings.” They’ll help you make good decisions each day, increasing your confidence and self-esteem.
Reflect on the past
Mindfulness has been gaining popularity over the years, and for a good reason: it’s highly effective at helping us focus on the present moment. While mindfulness also has benefits in helping us deal with our stress, anxiety, and depression, its main purpose is to prevent us from falling prey to negativity.
Name your emotions
Think back to the last time you had a decision to make, and you felt unsure. Maybe you were confronted by a high stake situation, or you felt uncertain about how to solve a problem that came up with a loved one. The feeling can be debilitating, leaving us confused and unable to move forward.
Take a personality test
The good news is you don’t have to rely on your intuition alone; you can train your mind to tap into your intuition and listen to it more.
Build mental bridges
The conscious mind is in charge, constantly analyzing the environment, making decisions, and using logic. The subconscious mind, however, is where all memories, skills, and instincts are stored.
Most of us also have an intuitive sense of things. We understand how the universe works based on things that have happened in our lives. And we know people instinctively. Every day we make decisions because we know or sensed something that was right or good about that decision. Your intuition can be your greatest asset or biggest pitfall.
Your intuition is a personality trait that is hard to define, but you know it when you feel it. You know when you’re feeling down, tired and annoyed. You know when you’re anxious about something. You know when you’re angry with someone. You know when you’re spending time with people you value. You want to trust your intuition, but you’re not sure how to.
If you’ve ever had one of those “I have this feeling about _____” moments, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Intuition is often a very direct communication from your subconscious mind (what you truly believe to be true, regardless of whether or not it’s objectively true)—so use this to your advantage. Instead of ignoring your intuition or doubting it, trust it and act on it. There are many common instances where intuition can help us out, from picking the right career to spending quality time with loved ones.