Trust your Wisdom

Many of us find ourselves scrolling through endless Instagram and TikTok posts of motivational quotes, words of wisdom, clips of webinars by business gurus, or devouring self-help books in hopes that we will find the one secret formula for success. Shared wisdom and insight often provide powerful perspectives, insights, and inspiration. It can be very helpful for unlocking our inner wisdom. But, the truth is, we already possess everything that we need to succeed. 

Our world is inundated with advice from those who have proclaimed themselves to be experts or gurus, so it is easy for us to fall into the trap of seeking external validation and guidance for our journey. We are bombarded with messages telling us that we need to follow this strategy or emulate that successful person to achieve our goals. But, at the end of the day, the real key to our success lies not in external sources, but within our innate wisdom.

Success is not a destination; it is a journey that begins when we recognize the wealth of knowledge and potential that already resides within us. Think about it. We each have a lifetime of experience, lessons learned, and skills acquired that uniquely shape who we are today. This is our arsenal, our secret weapon for success.

As a life strategist for over 20 years, I offer insights, techniques, and strategies for enhancing life skills, overcoming obstacles, and achieving goals. I can provide the right questions to ponder and help guide others along the way. But, I am not (nor do I profess to be) the sole proprietor of wisdom. I am a provocateur and a facilitator. I am not the man with all of the answers; but, I am often the man with the right questions. My job is to help others unlock the treasure trove of wisdom that is already buried within them

So, how do we tap into this reservoir of wisdom and unleash our full potential? It begins with a shift in our mindset. Instead of constantly looking outside for answers, we need to turn inward and trust in our intuition and abilities. We don’t need to dismiss external advice altogether; we simply need to discern what resonates with us and integrate it into our own unique approach.  

To tap into our inner wisdom, we need to set aside quiet time for introspection and reflection. Journaling, meditation, or even sitting in contemplation are all powerful means of unlocking greater clarity. We can ask ourselves probing questions about our goals, values, and aspirations. What truly matters? For what are we passionate? What are our strengths and weaknesses? In what areas could we benefit from more growth? When we tune into that inner dialogue, we gain greater clarity and insight that no external sources can provide. 

We also need to learn to trust our instincts and embrace “failures” as opportunities. We often underestimate the power of our intuition, those gut feelings that guide us in the right direction. When we learn to listen to our inner voice, we begin to trust that it knows what is best for us. When setbacks inevitably occur, we can view them not as stepping stones on the path to success but instead of insurmountable roadblocks. Every failure carries with it valuable lessons and growth opportunities if we are willing to learn from them.

Success is never a solo journey. We should never be afraid to ask for guidance and feedback. We can seek out people who inspire and challenge us, those who believe in our potential and continue to encourage us to pursue our dreams. Engaging with others is crucial in unlocking our inner wisdom.

Success or sabotage? Success is not achieved in the pursuit of external validation or one-size-fits-all formulas; it is recognizing that the answers we seek are already within us.

Is this going to be an incredible day? We have everything we need to succeed and to make this day even better than yesterday.

Develop your Intuition.

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.

Access your Intuition.

Intuition is a fascinating aspect of human cognition. It is often described as the ability to understand or know something without the need for conscious reasoning. It's a feeling in the gut—a powerful force guiding decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity. We all have it, but understanding, developing, and harnessing intuition can be complex.

At its core, it is a product of accumulated knowledge and experiences that the mind processes subconsciously. It draws upon patterns, information, and emotions stored in the brain to provide rapid insights. It is an unspoken wisdom and can be a valuable asset in many aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors.

To access our intuition we must cultivate a deeper self-awareness and mindfulness. In a world that is constantly competing for our attention, it is very easy for us to overlook the gifts and importance of tuning into our inner selves, and our inner wisdom. This is another reason why a daily meditation practice is so important. When we take the time for self-reflection and meditation, we begin to quiet the noise of the world around us and sift through the chatter of the monkey mind so that our intuition can rise to the surface. It is usually in moments of stillness that we find our intuition speaking the loudest and the clearest, providing us with the subtle guidance that we need—wisdom that may not be immediately apparent through traditional logic. It is the still small voice that we have heard so much about pointing us in the right direction. 

Learning to trust our intuition is a crucial step in harnessing its power. Doubt and overthinking will cloud intuitive insights, so we have to become accustomed to embracing a mindset that values and respects intuitive feelings that lead to more confident decision-making. We have to acknowledge that our intuition is real, valid, and knowledgeable. We have to give it the space that it deserves in our decision-making process.

One way to enhance our intuition is to pay close attention to our physical sensations and emotions. Our body often reacts to situations before our minds fully comprehend them. We might experience a tightening in the chest, a discomfort in the abdomen, or a feeling of lightness in our body. These are often the subtle clues of intuition. By learning to recognize these signals, we can tap into a deeper level of understanding.

Refining our intuition takes practice. We must be disciplined in continuing to stimulate our intuitive minds by engaging in activities that encourage creativity and open-ended thinking. It could be art, music, or problem-solving exercises that do not rely solely on a logical analysis. The more that we exercise our intuitive muscles, the more attuned we will become to its nuances and its voice.

Success or sabotage? If we can strike a balance between our intuition and rational thinking, we can unlock a valuable resource that will guide us toward greater success.

Is this going to be an incredible day? What is your intuition telling you?

Follow your Intuition.

Are you proactive in the building of your life or do you wait until you must act or face dire circumstances? The underlying issue is not the judgment about what you should or should not be doing; it is the energy that you may be losing as a result of YOUR judgment. How often do you ignore the voice within that urges you to take action in a specific area of your life? You repress the voice and go on with your life, but are left with an occasional burning guilt about how much better you would feel if you had followed your intuition.

There are many stories of those who are miserable in their professional jobs. They go on working in the hopes that they will be laid off or fired so that they will be forced to seek other employment. Do you really have to be kicked in the butt to make your life better? Remember, what flows in is in direct proportion to what flows out.  Put forth the effort and you will find yourself tapping into a hidden reservoir of energy. 

Success or sabotage? Is your "roof" in need of repair? Are you going to wait for it to rain before you fix it?

Is this going to be an incredible day? What can you do RIGHT NOW, at this moment, to ensure a better day?

Learn to Trust.

If you are not making someone in your life uncomfortable, you are probably not living close enough to the edge. Living up to your full potential and possibility requires risk and discomfort; you must be willing to sacrifice your sense of security to be of greater service to the world and to yourself. It is a frightening journey and one that is always traveled alone. Faith is not a tool for the weak, but a weapon for the warrior. You must learn to trust your inner voice and purpose if you are going to fully actualize your true spirit.

What is the risk that you are not taking? Something just flashed through your mind; what was it? What can you do today to step out of your comfort zone and begin to live boldly and without apology?

Success or sabotage? The creation of success begins with a step into the unknown.

Is this going to be an incredible day? The day can only be incredible if you stretch the nature of its boundaries.

Follow your Intuition.

There are moments in your life when you must choose between societal "facts" and the truth. You will often find that, when you are ready to speak the truth of your dream, many will present you with the "facts" for why you are making a huge mistake. Often, intuition seems to contradict the facts as we know them; we must learn to trust the instinct behind our choice and live as the exception rather than the rule. 

The rich truths of spiritual law are not in the facts, but in the stories that surround them. If you are focusing on the facts, you might be missing the moral of your own story. God truly is present in the details! Examine your own life today. Are you allowing the facts to inhibit you from seeing the truth? Are you allowing the limitations (tribal logic) of society to encourage you to live below your potential? If so, who and what are you serving? There are some who profess that the greatest of all sins is denying your own gifts and talents from yourself and the world.

Success or sabotage? Success is born and achieved in the heart; don't allow the collective consciousness to convince you to play small in a world that is comforted by the illusion of limitation. You are a child of God. If you are not living like it, you are denying your birthright--unlimited power and potential.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Step fearlessly into a day that, in some way, was designed just for you.

Follow your Intuition.

Are you proactive in the building of your life or do you wait until you must act or face dire circumstances? The underlying issue is not the judgment about what you should or should not be doing; it is the energy that you may be losing as a result of YOUR judgment. How often do you ignore the voice within that urges you to take action in a specific area of your life? You repress the voice and go on with your life, but are left with an occasional burning guilt about how much better you would feel if you had followed your intuition.

There are many stories of those who are miserable in their professional jobs. They go on working in the hopes that they will be laid off or fired so that they will be forced to seek other employment. Do you really have to be kicked in the butt to make your life better? Remember, what flows in is in direct proportion to what flows out.  Put forth the effort and you will find yourself tapping into a hidden reservoir of energy. 

Success or sabotage? Is your "roof" in need of repair? Are you going to wait for it to rain before you fix it?

Is this going to be an incredible day? What can you do RIGHT NOW, at this moment, to ensure a better day?

Listen to Wisdom.

Listen. No, REALLY listen. The universe that surrounds you will teach you everything that you need to know if you take the time to stop, look and listen to its wisdom. We fill our world so full of noise--television, radio, streaming music, podcasts, telephone conversations--that we must discipline ourselves to be still.  How can you listen to your inner-voice if you don't take the time to be quiet enough to hear its counsel?

Exercise the power of active listening today (both to yourself and others). When you are engaged in conversation, notice how often your thoughts move beyond the conversation or to the next thing that you wish to say.  Attempt to minimize your words; become comfortable with the silence. Spend at least ten minutes today in silent meditation. What is the wisdom of your heart? What is your soul trying to tell you?

Success or sabotage? Success is accelerated with silent surrender.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Take the time to listen to the wisdom that surround you.

Ask the Question.

Many spend a great deal of time in their lives in search of the answers to life's questions.  The truth is yours when you realize that the wisdom is in the questions, rather than the answers.  The world is in motion and in a constant state of change; you evolve and adapt according to your circumstances.  Your answers to the questions will change (it is necessary for your personal growth), but the questions remain the same throughout eternity. As you ask, so shall you receive.  You must ask first, however, before you will even have the awareness to receive the answer.

What is the question that provokes the greatest unrest in your consciousness?  Write the question on a notepad next to your bed.  Ask the question aloud before you drift off to sleep.  Await the answer, in expectation of its arrival.  The answer may come in any number of unexpected ways--dreams, television commentary, overheard conversations, newspaper editorials, etc.  You may begin to notice patterns in your life as if your very existence has become a puzzle awaiting precise execution and solution.  Begin with the question...one question, and watch the solutions unfold as your world rises to meet you.

Success or sabotage?  Success begins with a question; you must first define what it is before you can hope to achieve it.

Is this going to be an incredible day?  What separates an incredible day from all others? Ask and you shall receive!