Trust your gut

I regularly encourage clients to let their instincts help guide their decisions. When they think about working with a particular person or group or accepting an invitation, do they feel good about it?

But, in real life, it can feel more tricky. I met a potential colleague recently who seemed lovely and very interesting. One thing made me feel a little uneasy as I cycled home. It took the shine off the good feeling I had about the project. So I emailed to double check.

Turned out, this little thing was a big thing. Part of me tried to talk myself into it but it just felt like it would turn into a nightmarish way of working. So I politely declined and said I'd like to help in another way if they wanted but got a very curt reply.

Although it's a bit disappointing, I feel hugely relieved. If we'd been working together, it could have turned into a nightmare.

Can you think of a situation in your life or work where you let an uneasy feeling slide? What happened? Do you wish you'd paid attention to your instincts?

How can you learn to listen to your gut? When you're making a good decision, how do you feel? (Taller? Strong? Centred?)

What about iffy decisions? (Slightly nauseous? Pounding chest? A bit sweaty?)

These feelings can feel like letdowns but when you realise your body is trying to help you, it will become much easier to make the right decisions for you.

List three checklist questions you can ask yourself (e.g. When I think about picking up the phone / meeting this person, a) I feel good, or b) my heart sinks to my feet with a growing sense of impending doom) to help you make better decisions from now on:

1)
2)
3)

© Eve Menezes Cunningham / http://www.applecoaching.com/ 2008