In the last post, we talked about intuition, where it comes from and why it’s a useful tool to develop. If you missed the post, click here to check it out.

One of the most valuable ways we can use our intuition is in decision making, and I’d like to share one of my favourite exercises, “Trying on a Decision”.

Trying on a Decision is kind of like shopping for jeans. Most of us don’t take a pair of jeans off of the rack, look at them and say, “yup, these will look good!”. No! We take several pairs of jeans into the change room and try them on. Have you ever noticed how the jeans you thought would look great are not flattering, and the ones you thought were kind of ‘meh’, look fabulous? Good thing you tried them on, eh?

The exercise: For illustrative purposes, let’s use the example from last time and say that we’re deciding whether or not to accept a promotion at work.

Intuition – it’s become a “new age” catch phrase, and is often seen as being airy fairy. Yet, it’s a basic instinct and primitive tool that has been vitally important to the survival and advancement of the human race. In many ways, it’s a tool that the advent of logic and the need for proof has pushed to the side. I’m not saying that logic and proof don’t have a place I’m just suggesting that it’s important to make room for intuition too.

So, what exactly is intuition? According to Wikipedia, "The word 'intuition' comes from the Latin word 'intueri', which is roughly translated as meaning 'to look inside'’ or 'to contemplate'”. Intuition is an inner source of knowledge, or a barometer of mental and emotional health. To access that inner knowledge, it’s important to let go of judgement – there’s plenty of time to analyze after you receive your intuitive message - trust and have faith.

Why is it beneficial to tap into your own intuitive mojo?

Intuition is an amazing tool. When we lived close to the earth, our intuition helped us to identify danger and alerted us to predators. Using that inner knowledge allowed us to survive. Now, we can see how intuition helps to keep animals safe. An example of a physical intuitive response is a dog whose hackles rise as he senses a threat.

We receive intuitive information, signs and messages every day. The key to increasing your intuition is recognizing when you’re receiving messages, and acting on it.

There is a common misconception that intuitive information comes through with the clarity of neon signs and marques – thank you Hollywood! For some, this is true; whether it is something they are born with or have developed. For many, intuition is much more subtle and is often brushed aside or overlooked. So, it’s important to understand how messages come through.