How intuition can help you make effective decisions

What is intuition

According to the definition of psychologists, it is an immediate understanding or awareness obtained without judgment and deliberation. It motivates us to take action. Scientists have proven that intuition helps you make decisions more effectively. It also makes us more confident.

It comes in handy in a variety of situations: from choosing a career to quickly assessing a situation. If you want to answer a question or make a decision, turn to your intuition. In this case, you need to trust your subconscious. Intuition is based on all the impressions you have experienced in life. It grows and changes with you.

Why you should trust her

Usually people try to make decisions rationally. But the brain is overwhelmed by a lot of information. According to researchers, only a quarter of those who analyze all available information when buying a car are completely satisfied with their choice. And those who choose intuitively are happy with the purchase 60% of the time. The brain can make a profitable decision even without complete information.

While your brain rationalizes all the reasons why you should leave or stay, your intuition listens and notices the warning signals.

They often appear as physical sensations when you think about a solution. For example, heaviness in the stomach or lightness in the whole body.

How to put it into practice

1. Listen to instinct

Let's say you are a leader and want to increase the role of intuition in your team's work. To do this, introduce more flexible task deadlines. Creativity doesn’t get along well within a rigid framework.

If the company is used to making decisions after careful analysis, change the approach. Experiment. Combine limited data with intuitive thinking.

Listen to your instincts and encourage employees to do so. Don't dismiss your premonitions.

2. Conduct a quick assessment test

Write a simple question on a piece of paper that can be answered yes or no. The question should not be theoretical, but related to a specific action. For example, "Should I quit my job?" Rather than "Do I like my boss?" Write “yes” and “no” under the question, and put the pen aside.

Do other things, and after a couple of hours, return to the piece of paper. Take a pen and close your eyes. Open them and quickly circle one of the answers. Perhaps it will be unexpected or you may not even like it. But don't dismiss it. Your intuitive thinking has worked. It is more likely that you answered honestly.

3. Take time to think

In a constant rush or at work, you simply will not notice any premonitions. To help your intuition develop, set aside time for reflection in your schedule. For example, between appointments, in the morning before work, or in the evening before bed. Keep a journal, go for walks, and develop mindfulness through meditation.

A simple meditation trick is to pay attention to physical sensations. Scan the body. You will notice what your intuition tells you. Over time, this ability will strengthen.