Auteur: Marijn Jorissen

Introduction

Ever had that gut feeling nudging you towards a decision, but you ignored it?

Maybe it was a tiny voice in your head whispering, “Take the chance!” — and you didn’t.

Later, you realized that your intuition was right all along.

That’s the power of intuition: a deep, subconscious wisdom guiding us like an internal compass.

Yet, in today’s hyper-logical, overly planned world, many of us are guilty of ignoring this innate gift.

We live in a world that constantly demands rationality, structure, and detailed roadmaps for success.

Yet, some of the greatest breakthroughs in history — scientific discoveries, artistic masterpieces, and entrepreneurial innovations — were driven by an unseen force beyond logic: intuition.

But what happens when we don’t listen?

And how does excessive planning interfere with our ability to trust our gut?

Let’s dive deep into the mysteries of intuition, the pitfalls of ignoring it, and how we can strike the right balance between planning and instinct.

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What Is Intuition?

Intuition is your subconscious superpower.

It’s an instinctive knowing, a deep understanding that goes beyond logic and reasoning.

Neuroscience suggests that intuition arises from the brain’s ability to recognize patterns and make connections faster than our conscious mind can process.

Think of it as a data bank of past experiences, emotions, and knowledge all working in the background, helping you make snap decisions with surprising accuracy.

The Science Behind Intuition

Psychologists and neuroscientists believe that intuition operates through a process known as “rapid cognition.”

Our brains process vast amounts of information unconsciously, picking up on subtle cues that our conscious minds overlook.

This explains why you might get a “bad feeling” about a situation or instantly feel drawn to a particular opportunity without being able to logically explain why.

It’s the reason why great entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders often rely on their “gut feelings.”

Steve Jobs famously championed intuition in business, arguing that many of Apple’s groundbreaking innovations were the result of intuitive insights rather than meticulously structured planning.

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What Happens When You Ignore Your Intuition?

When you consistently override your intuition, life tends to push back in frustrating ways.

Here’s what can happen :

1. Missed Opportunities

That job, relationship, or investment you hesitated on?

It could have been the best decision of your life.

Intuition often presents opportunities before your mind rationalizes them.

Ignoring your gut might mean letting a once-in-a-lifetime chance slip through your fingers.

2. Increased Stress and Anxiety

Ignoring your gut can leave you feeling disconnected, doubting yourself, and second-guessing every decision.

Over time, this lack of trust in yourself can lead to chronic stress and even decision fatigue, where making choices becomes an exhausting and overwhelming task.

3. Feeling Stuck in Life

Have you ever felt like you’re running in circles, making choices that feel ‘safe’ but not exciting?

That’s what happens when you rely solely on logic and ignore your deeper instincts.

Your intuition nudges you toward growth, but ignoring it keeps you trapped in your comfort zone.

4. Regret and “What If?” Thinking

Nothing stings more than looking back and realizing you knew what the right choice was but didn’t act on it.

The regret of an ignored intuitive nudge can linger for years, creating a cycle of self-doubt and over-analysis in future decisions.

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The Problem with Over-Planning

Modern society glorifies planning.

We schedule our lives down to the minute, create vision boards, and meticulously map out every detail of our future.

But while planning has its place, it can also block intuition in three key ways :

1. Overthinking Drowns Out Instinct

When you analyze every scenario to death, your gut instincts get lost in the noise.

Too much logic clouds intuitive clarity, making even the simplest choices seem complicated.

2. Rigid Plans Prevent Spontaneity

Intuition thrives in the moment.

If you’re too attached to a plan, you might ignore unexpected opportunities that come your way.

Some of the best experiences in life happen when we least expect them!

3. Fear of the Unknown Kills Creativity

Planning is often rooted in control and fear of uncertainty.

But intuition thrives in flow and creativity.

When you let go, magic happens.

Imagine a jazz musician who only follows sheet music versus one who improvises freely — intuition allows you to embrace the rhythm of life rather than forcing it into rigid patterns.

4. Over-Reliance on External Validation

Planning often involves seeking advice, researching, and analyzing trends.

While research is valuable, constantly seeking approval from others can drown out your own inner voice.

The more you depend on external validation, the less you trust yourself.

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How to Strengthen and Trust Your Intuition

If you want to cultivate intuition, you need to give it space to grow.

Here’s how:

1. Silence the Noise

Meditation, journaling, and even long walks in nature can help you tune in to your inner wisdom.

Creating quiet moments allows intuitive insights to surface without distraction.

2. Act on Small Gut Feelings

Start trusting your intuition in small ways, like choosing a book, making spontaneous plans, or reaching out to someone unexpectedly.

The more you listen, the stronger your intuitive voice becomes.

3. Balance Logic with Instinct

Planning is great, but leave room for the unknown.

Instead of rigid strategies, create flexible frameworks that allow intuition to play a role.

Think of it as setting sail with a direction in mind but letting the wind (your intuition) guide you along the way.

4. Notice Patterns in Your Past

Reflect on times when you followed (or ignored) your gut.

What happened?

Recognizing patterns helps build trust in your intuition.

If your instincts have led you to great things before, they will again.

5. Pay Attention to Physical Reactions

Intuition often manifests as physical sensations — a gut feeling, tingling skin, or even an unexplainable sense of calm.

Start noticing how your body reacts to different decisions, and you’ll become more attuned to its signals.

6. Experiment with Intuitive Decision-Making

Challenge yourself to make quick, instinctive choices without overthinking.

Try intuitive decision-making exercises, such as choosing what to eat, where to go, or whom to call, based purely on gut instinct.

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Conclusion: A Life Aligned with Intuition

Intuition is not magic; it’s a skill.

The more you use it, the stronger it gets.

While planning has its place, true fulfillment often comes from balancing preparation with intuitive spontaneity.

If you’ve been ignoring your inner voice, it’s time to start listening.

Your best decisions, most exciting adventures, and greatest breakthroughs might just be one gut feeling away.

So, the next time your intuition whispers, will you listen?

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Have you ever had that little voice in your head urging you to take a different route home, only to find out later there was a massive traffic jam?

Or maybe you ignored your gut feeling about a job and ended up regretting it?

Intuition isn’t just some mystical force; it’s your subconscious picking up on patterns your conscious mind may not recognize.

Today, we’re diving into real-life stories of people who trusted — or ignored — their intuition, and what happened next.

These everyday experiences prove that sometimes, the best guide in life isn’t logic but that feeling deep down inside.

A Last-Minute Change That Saved the Day

Lena, a freelance photographer, had a gut feeling to double-check her camera gear before heading to a wedding shoot.

Everything seemed fine, but something inside nagged at her.

She took an extra few minutes and realized one of her memory cards was corrupt.

Had she ignored that feeling, she would have lost precious moments from the wedding.

“I don’t know what made me stop and check again, but I’m so glad I did!

That moment taught me to always listen to my intuition.” – Lena M.

Ignoring the Gut Feeling: A Lesson Learned

Mark had been considering a career switch for months when he got a seemingly great job offer.

Something felt off, but he couldn’t pinpoint what.

The pay was higher, the benefits were great, so he brushed off his hesitation and accepted the job.

“Three months in, I realized why I had that hesitation.

The company culture was toxic, and I felt miserable every day.

If I had listened to that little doubt in the back of my mind, I could have saved myself a lot of stress.” – Mark R.

A Small Nudge, A Big Win

Tina was on vacation when she felt an unusual pull to visit a local café instead of her planned itinerary.

There, she struck up a conversation with another traveler who happened to be in her industry.

That random meeting led to a job offer she never saw coming.

“It was one of those moments where you just go with the flow, and it completely changed my life.” – Tina S.

An Unexpected Turn That Led to Love

James was on his way to a party when he suddenly had an urge to stop at a bookstore.

It wasn’t in his plans, but he decided to follow his gut.

While browsing the shelves, he struck up a conversation with a woman who shared his love for rare books.

That chance encounter led to a first date, and eventually, marriage.

“I still think about what would have happened if I hadn’t followed that nudge.

Sometimes, life gives you little signs, and it’s up to you to notice them.” – James W.

A Gut Feeling That Prevented Disaster

Emily was about to invest in a business opportunity that seemed too good to be true.

Despite the glowing recommendations, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

She decided to do a little extra research and discovered that the company had been involved in fraud cases.

“I could have lost thousands, but my intuition told me to dig deeper.

That gut feeling saved me from making a terrible mistake.” – Emily D.

A Hunch That Led to a Lifesaving Decision

Robert, a firefighter, was responding to a routine house fire when he had an instinctive feeling that something was wrong.

Even though the structure seemed stable, he urged his team to evacuate.

Minutes later, the building collapsed.

“I can’t explain it, but something in me just knew we needed to get out.

That decision saved our lives.” – Robert T.

The Taxi Ride That Changed Everything

Samantha was about to accept a job offer when a chance conversation with a taxi driver made her rethink everything.

He shared a personal story about a similar job turning out to be a nightmare.

It resonated deeply, and she declined the offer.

A few months later, she found her dream job.

“I will never forget that ride.

It was like the universe was sending me a message through a complete stranger.” – Samantha L.

A Feeling That Saved a Business

David, a small business owner, was about to sign a contract with a new supplier.

The deal seemed perfect, but something about the company felt off.

Instead of signing on the spot, he decided to do a deep background check.

Turns out, the supplier had a history of breaking contracts and failing to deliver.

“That gut feeling saved my business.

If I had gone ahead, it could have been a financial disaster.” – David G.

A Mother’s Intuition That Saved Her Child

Melissa was putting her toddler to bed when she suddenly had a strong feeling that something wasn’t right.

Even though her son appeared fine, she decided to check on him multiple times that night.

Around midnight, she noticed his breathing had become shallow, and he was burning up.

Rushing him to the hospital, doctors discovered he had a serious infection that required immediate treatment.

“The doctors told me that getting him in early made a huge difference.

I’ll always trust my gut when it comes to my kids.” – Melissa H.

Why Intuition Works

Science suggests that intuition is a result of your brain processing information rapidly, using past experiences and subconscious cues.

It’s like a built-in warning system, quietly nudging you in the right direction.

So how do you tap into your intuition more effectively?

Here are a few tips:

• Pause and Listen: When you get a strong feeling about something, take a moment to reflect before brushing it off.
• Trust but Verify: Intuition is powerful, but it’s always good to back it up with logical thinking when possible.
• Practice Mindfulness: Being present helps you recognize and interpret subtle signals from your subconscious.

Have you ever had a moment where following (or ignoring) your gut made a big difference?

Share your story in the comments below — we’d love to hear how intuition has played a role in your life!

Have you ever had a gut feeling about something — an unexplainable nudge urging you in a certain direction?

That’s your intuition talking.

While logic and analysis are great tools for decision-making, sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs in life come from simply trusting yourself.

We’ve all been taught to weigh pros and cons, analyze risks, and consider every possible outcome before making a decision.

While this approach has its benefits, there are moments when overthinking can stifle progress.

That’s where intuition comes in — a subtle, internal guidance system that can lead you toward unexpected yet fulfilling opportunities.

Learning to trust your intuition can open doors to success, personal fulfillment, and deeper life satisfaction.

Let’s dive into some real-life stories of people who followed their intuition and found extraordinary success.

1. Steve Jobs – The College Dropout Who Transformed the World

Steve Jobs famously dropped out of college, despite having no concrete plan for his future.

Instead of following the traditional path, he trusted his instincts.

He started taking calligraphy classes because he felt drawn to them, even though they seemed useless at the time.

Years later, that seemingly insignificant decision played a crucial role in designing the beautiful typography on Apple computers.

The rest, as we know, is history.

His ability to trust his gut didn’t stop there.

Jobs had a vision for Apple that defied industry norms.

When others doubted his approach — whether it was introducing a mouse-driven interface, removing floppy drives, or creating a phone without a keypad — he trusted his instincts, and his vision shaped the modern tech landscape.

Lesson: Sometimes, your intuition leads you towards things that may not make sense at first but will serve a greater purpose down the road.

2. Oprah Winfrey – Leaving the Newsroom for Something Bigger

Oprah Winfrey started as a news anchor, but she felt that the rigid, emotionless nature of traditional news reporting wasn’t for her.

Her gut told her that she was meant for something different.

When she got the opportunity to host a talk show, she took the leap — and that leap made her one of the most influential figures in media.

Instead of just reporting the news, Oprah connected with people on a personal level.

She trusted her instincts to focus on storytelling, emotions, and meaningful conversations, which eventually led to “The Oprah Winfrey Show” becoming a massive success.

Her intuition guided her to create an empire beyond television, including a magazine, a network, and impactful philanthropic efforts.

Lesson: If something doesn’t feel right, it’s because something better might be waiting for you. Trust your internal compass.

3. J.K. Rowling – Trusting Her Vision Against All Odds

Before becoming one of the best-selling authors of all time, J.K. Rowling faced multiple rejections from publishers.

But deep down, she believed in her story.

Despite financial struggles and self-doubt, she followed her intuition and persisted.

Eventually, “Harry Potter” became a global phenomenon, proving that trusting your inner voice can lead to magic.

Her journey wasn’t easy — she was a single mother struggling to make ends meet, yet she still found time to write because her intuition told her it was her calling.

Even when publishers initially turned her down, she kept going.

Today, her books have sold over 500 million copies and changed countless lives.

Lesson: Even when others doubt you, trust what feels right in your heart. Your passion and intuition can lead you to greatness.

4. Richard Branson – Taking the Leap with Virgin Airlines

When Richard Branson was stranded at an airport due to a canceled flight, he had an idea.

His gut told him that he could charter a plane and sell tickets to other stranded passengers.

This spontaneous decision led to the creation of Virgin Airlines, one of the most successful airlines in the world today.

Branson’s entire career has been shaped by his willingness to trust his intuition.

From launching a record label to expanding into space tourism, he has followed his gut despite skepticism from others.

His success proves that sometimes, taking risks based on instinct can lead to remarkable results.

Lesson: Great ideas often come from instinctive decisions. Don’t ignore them!

5. Albert Einstein – Trusting His Inner Genius

Albert Einstein once said, “The only real valuable thing is intuition.”

His theories, which revolutionized physics, were often guided by thought experiments and gut feelings before being proven mathematically.

He allowed his mind to explore concepts beyond conventional reasoning, trusting his deep-seated instincts to guide his discoveries.

His belief in intuition wasn’t limited to science.

He often advised others to trust their inner voice and not be constrained by societal norms or academic rigidity.

Lesson: Sometimes, the most groundbreaking ideas come from what feels right, even before logic can fully explain it.

How to Strengthen Your Intuition

You don’t have to be a billionaire or celebrity to follow your intuition.

Here are simple ways to tap into your inner wisdom :

• Listen to Your Body: Notice how your body reacts to different choices — excitement, tension, relief? These are clues.
• Quiet the Noise: Meditation, journaling, or simply spending time alone can help you hear your inner voice better.
• Take Small Risks: Start trusting your gut in small ways —choosing a book, picking a restaurant, or deciding on a minor change in your routine.
• Reflect on Past Experiences: Think of times when you followed your intuition. How did it work out? The more you recognize its power, the easier it becomes to trust it.
• Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Sometimes, well-meaning advice from others can cloud your instincts. Seek out people who encourage you to trust yourself.
• Practice Decision-Making Without Overthinking: When faced with small decisions, go with your first instinct and see how it unfolds. This strengthens your intuitive muscle.
• Engage in Creative Activities: Creativity helps unlock your subconscious mind, allowing intuitive thoughts to surface more easily.
• Stay Open to New Experiences: The more you explore and expose yourself to new situations, the more intuitive data points your mind will have to work with.

Final Thoughts

Your intuition is a powerful tool, often leading you toward opportunities that logic alone might miss.

Some of the most successful people in history trusted their instincts, even when it seemed risky.

So the next time you feel that gut feeling, listen to it.

It might just be leading you to something incredible.

Success isn’t always about playing it safe; sometimes, it’s about taking that leap of faith based on nothing more than a feeling deep inside.

After all, the greatest innovations, life-changing careers, and personal transformations often begin with a simple, unshakable belief in oneself.

What’s a time when your intuition guided you in the right direction?

Share your story in the comments!

Ever had that gut feeling and thought, This must be my intuition speaking!?

But what if it’s just old programming whispering in your ear instead?

Our minds are like sponges, absorbing beliefs, fears, and expectations from society, family, and past experiences.

Sometimes, what we call intuition is really just conditioning dressed up in a mystical outfit.

But how can you tell the difference?

Here’s a fun (and slightly eye-opening) guide to figuring it out.

1. Does It Feel Expansive or Restrictive?

Real intuition feels like a door opening — an “aha!” moment that brings clarity, even if it challenges you.

Conditioning, on the other hand, tends to shrink you down, making you feel trapped in fear or guilt.

If your inner voice is saying don’t do it or you’ll fail like last time, that’s probably conditioning.

If it’s saying this feels right even though it’s scary, that’s intuition.

Expansiveness often comes with an inner sense of excitement, even if there’s a little nervousness attached.

Restriction, however, makes you feel like you’re in a cage, stuck in the same patterns.

Pay attention to whether your decision-making process feels open-ended and full of possibility or if it feels constrained and suffocating.

2. Fear vs. Awareness

Conditioning often comes with a side of anxiety.

It thrives on what-ifs and worst-case scenarios :

What if I embarrass myself?

What if I lose everything?

Intuition isn’t about fear; it’s about awareness. I

t gently nudges you toward alignment, like a wise friend rather than a strict parent.

One way to differentiate the two is to observe your physical response.

Fear-based conditioning often triggers stress responses —tightness in the chest, a racing heart, or shallow breathing.

Intuition, on the other hand, may feel calm, even if it’s leading you toward something uncertain.

Your body is a powerful tool for discerning what’s real and what’s simply old baggage trying to control you.

3. Did You Learn This, or Do You Just Know?

Conditioning is learned.

It’s built from societal norms, past traumas, and cultural expectations.

Intuition, however, is an inner knowing that often comes without logical explanation.

If you’re making a decision based on “this is how things have always been done,” check yourself — that’s conditioning.

If it’s an unshakable sense of truth bubbling up from within, that’s intuition.

Think about times when you’ve had an intuitive nudge — maybe you just knew you needed to call a friend, take a different route home, or say yes to an opportunity that didn’t entirely make sense on paper.

That deep inner knowing is your intuition guiding you, not conditioning trying to keep you in line.

4. Is It Fast or Slow?

True intuition is swift and clear, like a flash of insight that just feels right.

Conditioning, however, often involves overthinking.

If you find yourself spiraling in mental loops, replaying past experiences, or seeking external validation, it’s probably not your intuition talking.

Overanalyzing often indicates that fear or conditioning is at play.

Your intuition doesn’t require constant second-guessing — it simply presents a feeling, a knowing, or a sense of direction.

The more you trust it, the easier it becomes to recognize its voice amidst the noise of your thoughts.

5. Does It Align with Your Highest Self?

Your intuition will never ask you to stay small, betray your values, or act out of fear.

Conditioning might tell you to avoid risks because success isn’t for people like you.

Intuition reminds you that you are capable, that new experiences bring growth, and that discomfort doesn’t always mean danger.

When facing a decision, ask yourself : Does this choice align with the person I want to become?

If it leads you toward growth, authenticity, and expansion, that’s intuition at work.

If it keeps you stuck in outdated beliefs or limits you based on past experiences, that’s conditioning trying to keep you in your comfort zone.

6. Test It!

Next time you have a gut feeling, pause.

Ask yourself :

• Is this fear or wisdom?
• Does this thought make me feel lighter or heavier?
• If I had no past, would I still feel this way?

Trusting your intuition is like strengthening a muscle — it takes practice.

The more you distinguish between old programming and genuine inner guidance, the more you’ll move through life with clarity and confidence.

7. Practical Exercises to Strengthen Intuition

If you’re still unsure how to tune into your intuition, here are some exercises to help :

• Meditation: Quiet your mind so you can hear the whispers of your intuition more clearly.
• Journaling: Write about your gut feelings before making a decision, then reflect on the outcomes.
• Body Awareness: Pay attention to how your body reacts to certain thoughts — intuition often feels light, while conditioning feels heavy.
• Small Tests: Start with minor decisions — what to eat, which route to take — and observe how your intuition guides you.
• Visualization: Picture both choices in your mind and notice which one gives you a sense of peace or excitement.
• Dream Analysis: Sometimes, intuition speaks through dreams. Pay attention to recurring symbols and themes.
• Nature Walks: Being in nature quiets external noise and allows you to hear your inner guidance more clearly.

Final Thoughts

Distinguishing intuition from conditioning isn’t always easy, but the more you practice, the more you’ll recognize the difference.

Intuition leads you toward freedom, expansion, and authenticity.

Conditioning, while sometimes well-intentioned, can hold you back in unnecessary fear and limitation.

It’s important to give yourself grace as you navigate this journey.

Sometimes, you might mistake conditioning for intuition, and that’s okay.

The key is to stay aware, keep questioning, and continue practicing.

So, what’s your gut telling you right now? 😉 Trust it, test it, and most importantly — listen.