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The Forgotten Gift: Using Intuitive Intelligence for Greater Business Success

  • Carolynne MelnykCarolynne Melnyk

“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” ~ Steve Jobs

Does this scenario sound familiar?

You have a friend who seems to have an uncanny knack of knowing when to start projects and when to hold back, and you wonder how he does it.

When you ask, he answers, “Intuition.”

Maybe you got the feeling that something wasn’t right about your last product launch – but you ignored it, only to discover that the feeling was right all along, and you should’ve paid attention.

Chances are, you’re like most people – thinking that it’s okay to pay attention to your intuition when it comes to minor things like picking a parking spot, but not for important decisions, and definitely not when it comes to your business.

But, what if you’re wrong?

Everyone has intuition, but whether you use it or not is a choice. What if by not trusting your intuition you’re not using all the tools available to you?

Albert Einstein said this about intuition:

“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.”

Perhaps it’s time to take a look at this forgotten gift and see how you can use it for greater business success.

Why is Intuition So Powerful?

You may have heard intuition referred to as a gut feeling, sixth sense, innate wisdom, inner knowing, an inner voice, intuitive flash, or an “aha!” moment.

I’ve been in tune with my intuition all my life. This built-in radar has saved me from driving into a riot, declining a job that lead to something greater, and creating a tour company.

My insights come in various ways: an uneasy feeling, a sense that something isn’t quite right, or an idea that needs to be followed.

Not following my intuition often leads to a palm slap on the forehead, accompanied by the words, “I knew it!”

Stepping Beyond the Woo-Woo

Although many people may dismiss intuition as “woo-woo” as soon as they hear the word, there is a growing body of scientific evidence to show that intuition is more than merely a feeling. Science shows that intuition is the result of our brains piecing together information and experiences to form different or less obvious ideas.

Barry Gordon’s book Intelligent Memory discusses the link between decision-making and intuition:

From birth, our brains compartmentalize experiences and information into an elaborate filing system. When new data is received, the brain searches the files for similar information. Upon finding a match, the new information is combined with the existing information to create a new idea or thought.

You can liken this to a conveyor belt of thoughts; did you know that you have a constant flow of thoughts passing through your mind in any given moment?

For example: you’re having coffee at Starbucks, reading about a new marketing strategy and wondering how to apply it to your business. Your head is full of thoughts and scenarios, but nothing stands out.

Then, you happen to tune in to a conversation at the next table. You hear something that grabs your attention and your brain begins to search for matches. (This occurs instantaneously, without you even being aware that it’s happening.)

This new piece of information combines with the existing information in your brain to form a new pattern. You have a flash of insight or a streak of intuition, and suddenly you know exactly how to use the new marketing in your company – something new has been created!

Neuroscientists have found that, whereas many skills and capabilities are relegated to the ‘left’ brain or ‘right’ brain, intuition is a ‘whole’ brain function. Doesn’t it make sense that you are more effective when using your whole brain rather than just parts of it?

Your intuition is available to you 24/7. You just have to tune in.

But, if intuition is just something that just happens, how can you harness that power so that you can use it whenever you need it?

Tuning In to Your Forgotten Gift

One of the key components of using intuition is developing trust. If you don’t trust your intuition then you aren’t likely to use it. Similar to other parts of your body, your intuition is like a muscle; in order for it to get stronger you have to work at it.

Let’s talk about 6 key ways that you can learn to trust your intuition:

1. Know how your intuition speaks to you

Each person experiences intuition differently. Some people will have a gut feeling, while others might experience a strong mental picture, a repetitive thought, an idea, or even a dream.

Begin by paying attention to how your intuition communicates with you. A good place to start is with your past; try to recall some of those missed opportunities where you knew you should have done something but didn’t. Do you remember where you were and what it felt like when you suddenly knew? Be open to those same signals in the present.

2. Move logic aside for a while and just be present

Can you recall a time when you discovered a major glitch with one of your services or offerings? You were probably frantic to get it fixed, but the more you tried to fix, it the more messed up it became. And, the more messed up it became, the greater your frustration, anger, and stress.

Sometimes the best thing to do is to step away and disconnect from the emotions of the situation. Emotions come from thoughts, and thoughts cloud judgment.

Watch and listen. (No judgment! No analysis! No trying to understand!) Be still and just observe.

This is where your whole brain merges and the pieces come together with a new way of looking at the problem, if you can just give your brain enough space to make the connection.

3. Shift your focus and see what appears

People often get stuck because they can’t “see the forest for the trees”. Maybe you are like me; when I started building my business I was doing everything I was taught to build up my client base, but was only seeing a trickle of sign-ups. I had no idea what else to do.

My intuition was telling me to take a step back from it – to become a detached observer. I asked myself what I wasn’t seeing and waited without seeking. In order to help facilitate the process, I actually started working on something else. A couple of days later, I knew what needed to be done. And, once I implemented those changes, my client base began to grow.

Let it go for a while and see what appears. Don’t dismiss any new insight, thought, or idea – these are the intuitive gifts you are seeking.

4. Be clear about your intention

If you are starting something new or different, make sure your intention is clear. Your intention becomes the filter through which you observe the process of creation.

When you have a razor sharp idea of what your company does and what that looks in the world, every decision will reflect that clarity. Your intention is the solid ground that helps guide your search engine. When you face choices or dilemmas, your intuition will be grounded in your vision. This, you can trust.

5. Know what you value

Consciously or unconsciously, your choices will be determined by your values. Similar to your intention, knowing what you value guides you in your day-to-day business dealings and forms the basis of your decision-making.

If you are solid in your values, your intuition will reflect this. Being crystal clear on these two points means that you can trust that your intuition will always give you information based on this solid footing.

For example, if you have to decide between two courses of action and both feel just a little off, then it’s likely that neither option is lined up with your values or intention. Chances are, you should look for another option.

6. Commit to action

It’s one thing to recognize a flash of intuition, but it is another to put it into action. This last step requires both trust and commitment.

Having a ‘flash of insight’ that you are heading in the wrong direction (and maybe it would be best to rethink and shift direction) can bring up a whole mess of fears and thought cycles.

In this case, listening to this flash of insight takes trust and commitment. Action starts the momentum in the other direction. The choice is yours: stay where you are or venture into the unknown.

Turning Intuition into Action

When you have mastered the six keys listed here, you will end up with a strong foundation of well-defined values and intention. From there, it’s easy to build up trust in your intuitive ability. Each time you listen to your intuition and take successful action, your trust will grow.

The intuitive mind can become a great asset in business and life when you learn how to trust it consistently – and confidently.

Now back to you. Have you experienced a time in your business when you wished that you had listened to your intuition? Or, was there a time that trusting your gut saved you from making a terrible mistake? Leave a comment below, and let me know!

21 thoughts on The Forgotten Gift: Using Intuitive Intelligence for Greater Business Success

Ida Smith

Thanks for your article Carolynne. I can look back over my life to times when following my intuition has saved me from bad choices or created positive outcomes and also times when not following my intuition has hurt. Like Cadance Talmadge says above, I believe it’s a gift from God. That said, I need to be better at listening and following intuition. Over a year ago I sensed I should right a particular article to post on my website. Instead, I focused on other projects. The end result, slow conversions. I’m now in the process of writing that article and looking forward to see how that builds my business.
Your point #3: “Shift Your Focus and See What Happens” is great advice. In our hurry, hurry world it’s hard to just wait and not seek or do something.

steve witt

I failed to listen to my intuition at a key point late in my career. The result cost me my job and nearly my marriage and sanity. Rather than following by “gut”, I followed fear. That was eleven years ago.

Your article has given me much clarity in evaluating this situation. I have come to the conclusion that everything was in place for success with the exception of timing. I was pressured to make a quick decision. Should have known better but took the “leap” anyway. My Service training taught me that any action is better than none. In many situations, that may be true. In all situations, I have found that it is not true. Sometimes, as you say, it is better to put things aside and come back to them at a later time.

Steve

mark@theblvdgroup.com

xxx

Krithika Rangarajan

Hey Carolynne

Can I please give you my warmest hug? Intuition is – in my humble opinion – a woman’s best friend (and a man’s too, but I am a woman, so! 😛 )

I need to learn when to ‘trust my gut’ and when to ‘seek more information.’ Actually, as I am writing this, I realize that heeding your intuition and seeking more information complement each other perfectly.

The problem is I am prone to over-thinking and over-analyzing my situation, leaving me paralyzed and paranoid.

I am immensely intuitive. I just need to trust my intuition and – yes- TAKE ACTION! <3

Thank you so much #HUGSSSS

Kitto

Carolynne

Thanks Krithika for the hug,
Yes, intuition and more information can compliment each other, as long we allow time and space for them to team up. Over-thinkingg and over-analyzing block the process of creation and, as you know, can lead to paralysis. All the best in becoming more aware of your intuition and how it speaks to you.

ling | business-soulwork.com

Great insight and practical tips – thanks! Definitely agree that we have to be clear about our intention and value because it’s the lens through which our intuition speaks to us. I like to tell my clients – if an idea comes to you out of nowhere and you think it’s crazy because you haven’t seen it in “trainings and programs” or talked about by the “gurus” – don’t dismiss it! It’s most likely your intuition wanting to show you something that is original and in alignment with who you are.

Carolynne

HI ling,
Thanks for the great comment. I love the advice you give your clients. Too often we dismiss the idea that we didn’t expect or see. Keep up the great work.

Mary Alice

What if you have an idea that you believe might work, but you keep dragging your feet about implementing it? What if your mentor keeps insisting that you should do it? Otherwise, I am a definite risk-taker, so this worries me.

Carolynne

Hi Mary,
Thanks for your questions. For the wee bit you wrote here, you may not be quite ready.

If it were me, I would put it on hold for a while and focus on something else. I would also ask myself what I am not seeing in this idea that keeps it back, then let go of the answer. I find that when I let go of something the inspiration or guidance as to how to proceed show up.

I did that with my ABM project. I hit a point where I wasn’t sure if I was heading in the right direction or not. So I stopped working on it for a while (2 months) and was working on another project when I got the idea for how to proceed. Personal, I feel that things happen when they are ready.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Gary Greenfield

Carolynne, my intuitive reaction to your article is I need to study it repeatedly to digest the gift of its insights. Oh…and, my left brain says: Well done! My right brain says: I can create something from your concepts. I guess that confirms you have the attention of my whole brain!

Carolynne

I like your sense of humor Gary! Thanks for sharing.

Virginia

Those a-ha moments are a delight. I had one last night while listening to a webinar. I’ve been struggling trying to figure out how to easily bring my upcoming eBook series into my newsletter and it came together. I had the pieces in mind already and they fell into place. Stepping away to allow a different focus is very important. It allows all those ‘wandering thoughts and information’ to coalesce into what you need or want.
Thanks for a good article.

Carolynne

Thank you Virginia for sharing. I love those a-ha moments! I like the way you phrase “allows all those ‘wandering thoughts and information’ to coalesce into what you need or want”. That it does. All the best with your eBook Series and newsletter.

Jeff

I note the quote is very similar to Jost Hochuli’s on book design, “have the courage to use your own understanding.” As with many creative things it often comes down to theory and practice. I am imagining more time to take in theory and then more time for practice, which somehow fits in-between practice or when nuts and bolts become gears. Imagining time to read your book.
Thanks

Carolynne

Hi Jeff, I like your description of the creative process. It’s the inner trust that’s so difficult for many. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to hearing from you if go beyond imagining reading my book. 🙂

Patricia Weber

In particular I like step 3 for using intuitive intelligence: shift your focus. There isn’t enough room to explain the many times in life and business I did not do that and instead of solving a problem, things stayed stuck or got worst. Most valuable Carolynne. Thanks.

Carolynne

Hi Patricia, I know exactly what you are saying . We set our sights and head in that direction regardless what we are sensing. That blind determinism most often leads to more problems. Yet, it appears so simple when we can just take a step back and let go of what we think should happen. I appreciate you sharing your experiences.

Lisa Powers

Excellent tips for using your forgotten gift – thank you! As an attorney and wealth mentor working with entrepreneurs and families I am frequently approached by financial and other professionals who want to partner. My intuition has kept me out of hot water with quite a few who were later proven to be unethical. It even helped me rat out a payroll company owner who was stealing tax deposits to cover his own debts; he is serving multiple sentences now. Intuition is a must-use tool!

Carolynne

Wonderful Lisa! The more we trust our intuition the more we can see what an asset it is. Thanks for sharing!

Candace Talmadge

Intuition is another word for soul senses. It is one of the “gifts of the spirit” referred to in the Bible. Intuition is critical not only for business, but for greater self-awareness and personal growth. We are missing out by not using intuition in all areas of our lives, not just business. We would feel far more complete and whole if we trusted our intuition in our relationships with others–and with self, and in so-called rational fields like science, medicine, and engineering. Einstein was highly intuitive and we consider him a genius. Connect the dots….

Carolynne

Thank you Candace for this comment. I agree with you that we miss out by not using it in all areas of life. This is the ink to our inner wisdom that comes from Divine Intelligence.

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