Trusting Our Instincts

Have you ever wrestled with a decision for days or maybe even months? You know that feeling you get somewhere near your midsection that seems to be directing you before you even have to make this decision?

Do you listen to this feeling?  This feeling is the symptom of our instincts speaking to us.

I'm not talking about just thoughts, beliefs, or opinions. These are fleeting and can change rapidly. In fact, our own beliefs and thoughts can often get in our way, because they need to be "reprogrammed" sometimes.

I'm talking about that gut level feeling that is unmistakable. 

As a personal leadership speaker and coach, I strive to help people find their inner voice and their inner power, and use them! I am passionate about empowering others to create their own destiny. I truly believe that when we focus on what we want and why we want it, we can achieve anything. There are specific strategies and mindsets on which I coach people, but there is something I can't teach or coach.

Your instincts. Your gut feelings.

Today, I proved to myself yet again that my first "gut feeling" is almost always correct. No matter how much I want it to be wrong sometimes, my instincts are placed within me by the Universe for a reason. I believe there is something greater than myself "nudging" me in the right direction. It's up to me whether or not I listen.

I don't always listen. Somestimes I don't listen at all, and other times, like today, it takes several months of feeling like I am jamming a square peg in a round hole before finally surrendering to what I knew instinctively was the right decision all along.

I am grateful today that I don't need to be perfect to still be growing. I don't need to "Get it right" all the time. I don't need to beat myself up for not listening to my instincts before. Instead, I can just learn from this experience, focus on the positive, and move forward.

The biggest lesson from today for me? When my gut is speaking. I should pay close attention. I hope you will to.

Thanks for reading. As always, I welcome your comments.

Comments

[Pat Valeno - Re/Max Access]

Sean,

I love this blog! I agree 150%!! I learned about "gut instinct" 24 years ago when my first child was born. Becoming a new parent is a hands on experience with no book to refer to, as I'm sure you know. But, my son just didn't seem like he was thriving correctly. I felt like things were not right and kept calling the doctor, taking him to see the doctor and was reassured that I was the nervous and unsure one and things would get better. Well after 6 weeks of not getting better, and not getting sleep and that "gut instinct" constanting nawing at me, I went to another doctor who listened and sent us for tests. My son, Anthony, was admitted immediately and had a cardiac cath done within hours of arriving at the hospital. He had a congenital heart defect that required many many surgeries and long hospital stays. The outcome has turned out well. He is fine today, considering the numerous medications and doctor visits we still have to do. But, the point here is, Listen to your instincts! I did, and I am so glad I did because I was right. If I wasn't persistant and on my game, things could have been worse. Don't settle for less, settle for the best!

[Sean Carroll]

Wow Pat! Thanks for sharing this amazing story! That is incredible. There is no instinct more accurate than a mom's instinct for sure! Glad everything turned out ok, and it sounds like you learned a valuable lesson about trusting your gut! Thanks again for commenting.