Should we trust our gut when making decisions?

Gut feel is a vital component to decision making, but…

We need to check-in with our gut before making important decisions. Our deep seated instincts and gut reactions were formed in the past – in many cases, way back in the past – and therefore completely unrelated to the situation we find ourselves in now. However, these gut instincts still influence our actions. Often, they are good guides. However we need to be vigilant – for example:

❓ We can turn down opportunities for growth due to unconscious beliefs and fears about taking risks and trying something new.
❓ Negative emotions such as frustration or anger can lead us to do or say things we later regret.
❓ We may be in danger of judging people or situations based on unhelpful biases or opinions.

So next time you have an important decision to make….

✅ Yes, make sure you have the right data available to inform your choice.
✅ Look ‘at’ the data and be open to what you see (often, we use data to look ‘for’ what we want to see). Be objective and willing to see all sides of the argument.

But also…
✅ Pause – and in the pause, notice your gut reaction.
✅ Check in with it – what is it telling you?
✅ Make sure your decisions are not being clouded by emotions or instincts – formed in the past – that may be taking you off course in this situation.