Some may brush it off as myth or superstition, but if we take the time to reflect on our lives, we can easily conclude that intuition is real. It is the inner compass of our subconscious working in partnership with our conscious selves to provide us with valuable insight, wisdom, and direction. It is a guiding light and, if we are attuned to it, it can serve as the beacon that helps us through the darkest of moments.

Many of us have had those moments when we’re at a crossroads, facing a decision that could potentially alter the course of our lives. We have made a rational analysis, and completed our list of pros and cons, but are still feeling uncertain about the decision that will be most effective. There is a queasiness in our gut and we begin to feel a whisper—the still small voice nudging us in a specific direction. It is a force to be reckoned with. That is our intuition.

The logical question is, “How do I know that what I am feeling is not just anxiety or fear? How do I know that it is my intuition?” Intuition will often manifest in the most subtle of ways, like a gentle tug at your heartstrings or a tingling sensation in the pit of your stomach. It is that inexplicable feeling of knowing without really knowing why.

So, how do we identify and develop this innate gift?  Like any skill worth mastering, it requires time, patience, and a great deal of self-awareness. We can begin by paying close attention to those fleeting moments of clarity—those flashes of insights that seem to come from nowhere.  Journaling is an effective means of tracking these moments and noting the patterns and outcomes that have resulted from following or not following our inclinations. 

In addition to passive observation, we can also actively cultivate our intuition like tending a garden. We can engage in exercises and activities that foster increased mindfulness and presence, whether it is meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature. The more that we can quiet the noise of the world around us, the clearer the voice and the greater our discernment. 

Honoring our intuition is not simply about tuning in—it is also about learning to trust ourselves. It is not always easy. In fact, it can be quite tricky. Our intuition is often at odds with our rational mind. Our rational mind favors logic and reason over our feelings, but feeling is the language of intuition. It can be an incessant tug-of-war between our heads and our hearts; finding the balance can be a lifelong journey.

A common pitfall is mistaking fear for intuition. Our anxieties and insecurities can be very successful in clouding our judgment. To differentiate the two, we have to be vigilant in developing our self-awareness. Fear tends to be loud and insistent, while intuition is more subtle and nuanced. Fear shouts, “Don’t do it! You’ll fail!” while intuition whispers, “Proceed with caution, but trust yourself.” In time, with concentrated effort, we can learn to discern the signal from the noise and the truth from the illusion.

Developing our intuition is like exercise, the more that we use it, the stronger and more resilient it becomes. We must not be afraid to take risks and follow our gut. It will require us to step outside of our comfort zone, but that is where the magic happens!

Success or sabotage? In a world that is constantly bombarding us with information and distractions, it is intuition that sets us apart from machines and algorithms. It is the innate gift that is the secret key to our success.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Take a moment to pause, breathe, and listen to that still, small voice within. Trust in the power of your gut and watch where it leads you.