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Trust Your Instincts
What do you know that you haven’t been able to say outloud? We’ve all had a feeling inside that tells us something isn’t right, that we need to change something about our lives or take a risk. But, how many of us acknowledge that feeling and act on it? Many times we fail to take action because we are too busy listening to our heads. We think we aren’t sure it’s the right thing to do. We question ourselves over and over. We’d like someone, anyone besides ourselves, to assure us that we would be making the right move, going in the right direction. A question I’m asked frequently is, "How do I know for sure it’s the right thing to do?" What I have learned from coaching almost 100 people is that we all know a lot more than we give ourselves credit for. We do know what we need or want to be happy. We just aren’t in the habit of trusting our feelings. We have been conditioned not to. Also, sometimes, it’s easier not to admit what we know to be true. Because, what if, just what if, that inkling in our gut is right? What does it mean we will have to change about our life? It could mean changes we’re not at all ready to face. When your instincts tell you that something in your life needs to change (ex.: career, employer, friends), my advice is to listen. Your gut is usually light years ahead of your head. In fact, it’ll probably take your head several months to catch up to the place your gut is in! During that time, your head will make you analyze, research, network, study…whatever it takes for you to feel comfortable with what your gut has been telling you all along. It’s necessary to live with our new ideas long enough to feel comfortable. What you want to avoid is not doing anything because you:
Going from "Knowin’ it" to "Sayin’ it outloud" is a huge, but necessary, step. It’s a step you must take if you are to make any change. "Sayin’ it outloud" forces you to take a risk, to put yourself and your idea out there. You go from thinking the thought, to saying the words, and finally to taking the action. When I work with clients on finding their dream job, they complete a thorough profile of their interests, values, etc. I then challenge them to share it with four people whose opinions they trust to get their feedback. This can be scary. It means they have to tell people what they are up to. It means they have to be able to ask for help. They feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. But it’s a step that must be taken. You can’t find your dream job (or make any other significant change) sitting at home alone thinking about it. At some point, you must get other people involved. Our dreams are difficult to share with others. They are cozy and warm in our minds and, the longer they stay there, the more comfortable they become. After all, actually telling someone about our dream is risky. It could ruin our fantasy. They might steal the idea. They might be threatened or angry. Or, worse yet, they might laugh! So, it’s best to just keep it under wraps, isn’t it? The bottom-line is this: Whether you want to go for a dream or just rid yourself of that nagging feeling in your gut, your first step is listen to your instincts and feel your emotions. The second step is to tell another person about what you are considering. People are your greatest resource. It is only through other people that we make our dreams come true. No one, no one, is successful by themselves. Listen to your instincts and your feelings. They are wiser than we give them credit for. Take a risk by sharing them with someone you trust. It’s the only way your life can improve. It’s the only way your dreams can come true.
There is probably something that your instincts are telling you to do right now, something in your life that needs to change. It could be you need to:
Whatever it is,
Listen to your instincts this summer!
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