So you’re a person who has a tendency to overthink. When that’s the case, are you even able to recognize your gut, the thing everyone say to trust, or go with? Maybe not. Indecision can be a sign of anxiety and you may not be able to tell the difference between belly warning and a need for some relaxation. So what do the experts say about trusting your gut?
Have you ever had a strong feeling, an inner voice urging you to take a certain course of action? Many of us have experienced these intuitive hunches, and experts suggest that paying attention to them can be beneficial at times. While intuition may not always be based on logical reasoning or concrete evidence, it can make us feel better, like we’ve made a right decision, because we just know. But is it always your gut? Let’s explore some expert advice.
Acknowledge and Reflect:
The first step in responding to a gut feeling is to acknowledge its presence and give it the attention it deserves. Stop for a second and think about what you’re experiencing. Ask yourself what triggered this response and whether it feels authentic to you or if it’s being forced. Think about whether or not you feel like you’re being triggered by emotions such as jealousy, anger, hanger (play on hangry), embarrassment, pride or even FOMO. Experts often recommend keeping a journal to document your gut feelings and what happens after you have them. But also write down how you are feeling at the time the situation occurs. Over time, this practice can help you understand patterns and possibly even validate specific ways that you tend to be able to trust your gut.
Consider the Context:
While gut feelings can be powerful, as Melody Wilding writes, “There’s a deep neurological basis for intuition,” it’s crucial to evaluate them within the context of the situation at hand. Some of the most common ‘Trust your gut’ moments can include those related to:
- Personal Safety: Getting the heebie-jeebies while walking to your car in the dark.
- Relationships: Feeling like you’ve met someone you’ll be friends with for a long time.
- Professional Choices: Making the decision to apply for a different job even though yours is comfortable because you feel like you’ll regret it if you don’t.
- Creative Decisions: Putting all of your savings into a new product idea that you just know is going to sell.
- Major Life Choices: Feeling like you’re meant to be a parent
Are you feeling anxious or fearful with your choices. Think about other reasons that might be pointing you in the direction your “gut” is pointing you. If you can’t think of anything maybe your intuition really is guiding you towards a particular path? Experts suggest considering additional information is important in most cases. Seeking advice from trusted family members or friends, and conducting research to better understand your choices is often a better way to go. By doing so, you can weigh the pros and cons, helping you make informed decisions that blend intuition with critical thinking.
Take Action and Learn:
Ultimately, responding to a gut feeling means taking action. Once you’ve taken steps to see what those you care about think, and done some research, that’s when trusting your intuition will give you the most confidence. Remember, even if your gut feeling doesn’t point you in the direction you want to go, it’s an opportunity to learn how to trust your instincts. Journal your decision making. Write down whether or not you make decisions based on pure intuition or if you look for feedback and information. With practice, you can sharpen your ability to differentiate between mere impulses and genuine gut instincts, eventually being able to save time by knowing how to know what you might already know.
Values and Principles Matter:
There are times when following your gut is an excuse you give yourself to make the wrong choice when you know it goes against your personal standards. It’s what you might say when you really just want to do something badly that you know you shouldn’t. Your principles are the guidelines you live by that shape your habits, behavior, and decisions. But no one is perfect and temptation is real. Work hard to recognize when your gut feeling is just an easy way to justify behavior that you might regret later. Make sure you know what your principles are, so you can ask yourself if what your gut is telling you goes against them.
For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;
Job 32:18
