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Trust Your Intuition

By Jay Rifenbary. Published in the Saratogian.

Link to the original newspaper article.

Ponder This

How many of us are in the throes of making important decisions personally, professionally and, in turn, possibly life changing?

There have been numerous times in my life, and yours, when decisions have had to be made in regard to careers, relationships, residences, investments, family, children and other realms of life responsibilities that have significantly impacted our happiness, fulfillment and contentment. What are the primary factors that formulate a correct decision?

What has impacted your decision-making process? Was a decision made, or were the fears of failure or rejection too strong to prevent you from being decisive? Do you ever employ faith or some spiritual influence as an ingredient in a decision? Are you more analytical or emotional in making your final choice?

Most of you have likely been around the block of life experience a few times and, in the process, gained valuable experience to build upon a sense of personal confidence and self-respect.

Believe in that sense of self, and believe in the confidence you possess to make a correct decision. The core values that collectively form your character are the foundation of your confidence, and create a subconscious intuitive ability for you to make the correct choice when the challenge of doing so arises.

I have found that it has been, and is today, my intuition - an understanding of my core values and a gut sense of what is right - that has propelled me to be confident, insightful and decisive.

Intuition is defined as "a thing that one knows or considers likely from instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning." Current economic and social stressors have only increased the need to be more conscientious and analytical in regard to how we live on a daily basis, but never neglect what your intuition may be telling you.

Also, the need to be more cognizant of the influence of technology only adds to the complexities of making correct choices. Intuition should be thoughtful not spontaneous. Collectively, with diligent research, intuition will produce a successful decision. Always take the time to weigh the pros and cons of a decision and consider all the factors involved in coming to a right conclusion. It is this combination of being analytical and intuitively thoughtful that is extremely influential in making the right decision. It is difficult to regret a choice that collectively feels so right.

Another area that influences our intuitive thought process is our degree of spirituality. I am not recommending a belief in any specific structured religion or deity - that is a personal choice. However, I am encouraging a belief in something greater than ourselves, and the possibility to acknowledge as individuals that we do not have all the answers, all the time.

Personally, my belief in something greater than myself adds to the level of trust I have in my ability to make the right choice. I trust there is a reason for everything, and what happens to you happens for you.

When life is overwhelming, it is emotionally and physically healthier to believe there is a purpose behind the madness. I also believe that individual purpose is created and driven through our service to others.

Your faith in your own purpose will intuitively impact your success in making correct and core value-based decisions. Our choices create and define who we are. We have all made good and bad decisions, but it is how we handle our mistakes that determines our character, and how we contend with success that determines our level of humility.

On a side note, as I have watched the devastation in Haiti this past week, it stimulated the thought once again, "What did I wake up and whine about today?" Why would we ever waste time on any day worrying about what wasn't and what isn't, when we never know what tomorrow may bring? Hug those you love a little tighter tonight. May our thoughts and prayers be with those who have lost so much. Trust your intuition.

Jay Rifenbary, a Saratoga Springs resident, is president of Rifenbary Training & Development and author of "No Excuse! - Incorporating Core Values, Accountability and Balance into Your Life and Career." For more information, and to peruse all of Jay's columns, go to www.rifen|bary.com.

 

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Disclaimer: As a Health Coach, I will never attempt to diagnose, treat, make claims, prevent or cure any disease or condition. I advise my clients that Health Coaching is not intended to substitute for the advice, treatment and/or diagnosis of a qualified licensed health care professional.