Are you fighting with an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other?
Are you constantly at odds with yourself over whether you need to stop all this “entrepreneurial nonsense” and get a REAL job?
Or, are you in a job and dreaming of the day you can walk away for ever and make a living as a writer/blogger or Internet marketer?
When you can’t tell which voice to listen to it’s time to check in with your intuition.
Waffling over decisions is a sign that you’re unsure at the gut level
The tendency to decide then retract decisions is a clue that you’ve allowed the logic/ego mind to tell you what you “should” do versus what your heart really wants to do. The waffling back and forth shows just how much “duking out” you’ve got going on under the surface between your heart and your head.
Your heart is directly connected to your intuition. And your intuition is a direct channel to something greater than you. Call it God if you like. I refer to this as Universal Mind or Divine Mind.
Universal Mind is the intelligence that created us, the planet, the seasons, the solar system and our entire galaxy. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that we’re going to run into a “burning bush” that speaks to us, so we regular folk have to settle for hearing divine guidance through the language of our intuition.
When Divine Mind sends me guidance I listen. I’ve learned that this power that is greater than me also knows a heck of a lot more than my little ego self does, so I sit up and take notice when this greater intelligence speaks – even if the guidance I receive means I must face my greatest fears.
Removing fears about money from the equation
Many years ago I faced another big dilemma in my life. I had been studying for my degree in business and finance while working full time. I longed to go back to school for a completely different program and immerse myself in college, but to do that I had to give up my job and income. Naturally, being self supporting I was afraid to give up the security of my income. This inner conflict tore me up for years.
While attending a spiritual development seminar clear across the country in Texas I met another attendee and we became fast friends. She asked me one simple question that changed my life:
If you won the Lotto today and didn’t have to worry about money what would you do?
Without hesitation I answered: Go back to school.
I heard myself answer and I “knew” I had to do it even though it was scary.
I spent the next two years in school and graduated with a completely different degree in Communications and Writing. I ended up getting a scholarship to graduate school. These years were the happiest of my life because I’d followed by gut.
Once my heart and head were in agreement without the internal conflict raging I was able to completely enjoy the experience and it all flowed beautifully. This life altering decision also added to my confidence about following intuitive guidance.
Following intuitive guidance requires confidence
Not unlike any other skill we master in our lives arriving at the point where we can call ourselves skilled and, or experts, is based upon our past experience. The more you put your intuition to use in your life the more experience you gain in using it and consequently over time the more confident you feel about using it.
Learn to discern the voice of logic from the intuitive voice
To have the nagging feeling that we shouldn’t take a real job, or that we should quit our real job is worth investigating as that “nagging feeling” is exactly how we experience the intuitive voice within.
Many times our logic/ego mind is driven by underlying fears rather than by what is truly supported by the Universe. That’s why the process of learning to differentiate between the two “voices” is so important.
How to know which “voice” is speaking
To learn the difference between your angel’s voice and your devil’s follow these 5 tips:
1. Stop trying to work everything out with your logical mind. Constantly thinking about a problem is never going to solve it. Most of our thinking is really just worrying which is entirely circuitous – meaning we’re just going over it in a loop, over and over.
Start allowing your intuition to access the answers directly from Universal Mind. Every time you find yourself worrying or thinking about what to do again, say to yourself, “Stop!” to break this habit.
Ask yourself this question: If money were not a concern what would my decision be?
2. Differentiating between the two “voices” takes practice. Practice by starting with lesser decisions you’re grappling with. Place your hand on your gut and ask about each option separately. See which choice makes you feel “settled” or “calm” or “relaxed.” Ask, how would I feel if I did “A?” See how you feel. Then ask, how would I feel if I did “B?” See how that feels. You must ask how it will feel, not if you should do this or that.
You may find you breathe easier after choosing one over the other – this is another signal that you’ve chosen correctly. It’s also common for intuitive decision making to have an “Aha” quality to it as well since it’s usually something simple that’s been right under your nose the whole time. The “Aha” stems from reconnecting to something you’ve known all along but wouldn’t allow yourself to “see or feel.”
Connecting with the power that is greater than you and allowing it to direct your life feels “comforting” and “right.” If you ever feel any extremes of emotion in either direction that’s a clue that you’re on the wrong path. (think Charlie Sheen here) Feeling joy over the right decision is good – feeling infallible, invincible, like an “adonis” or that you have “tiger blood” is bad.
3. If you feel guilt, or fear crops up again, or are having nightmares that’s a sign that you’ve chosen incorrectly. It may be that in the case of giving up a job to follow your dream it’s just not the right time yet. Don’t give up hope. You’re intuition may be telling you that this isn’t yet financially feasible.
Sometimes we “think,” I have enough in savings to get me through a year, so we may decide to go for it. The optimal word here is “think.” When you “think” that’s the logical mind speaking. Intuition is the opposite of thinking. It is a “feeling” and or a strong sense of just “knowing.”
4. If you find yourself fatigued, catching colds, or having headaches, body aches, or fevers etc., that’s another sign that you’ve mistaken the voice of logic for your intuition. Your immune system is the first to go when you create inner stress by not following intuitive guidance.
When you’re inexperienced with hearing the voice of intuition directly your body will intercede and translate the messages into physical manifestations in order to get your attention. If this starts happening you need to reexamine whether this is indeed the right decision, or possibly wrong timing.
If you experience mountains of obstacles that require frantic course corrections then that too is a sign that you’ve not made the right decision. It shows that you’ve “forced” a decision with logical thinking.
Following intuition doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges to overcome, but when problems arise you should still have that sense of “inner calmness” or “knowing” that you’ve chosen correctly, and the answers and solutions to those problems should manifest organically in your life. The organic solutions arise through synchronicity, or serendipitous events meaning the right person who has the answer to this problem, or the perfect opportunity appears at the right time to solve your dilemma.
Go back to the basics in tip #2.
5. After making your decision relax and have faith. You must go with the flow when it “appears” that nothing is happening toward manifesting your dream. Remember, it’s during these times that seem so quiet and fruitless that things are probably coalescing beneath the surface – and that’s where our faith comes in. Keep the faith and your vision pointed in the direction of your dream and it will appear on the horizon when the time is right.
When we learn to live by following our intuitive guidance and take the fear out of our decision-making we will be in “sync” and our lives will be extraordinary and flow beautifully toward our higher good and higher purpose.
We can live inspired and brilliant lives when we take that leap of faith and follow our intuition.
Are you grappling with these decisions? What action will you take today to tune into your intuition?
If you’d like to become proficient at hearing your intuition I recommend reading my book: The Intuition Prinicple.
If you’d like more guidance please feel free to contact me for a one on one session.
I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If so please subscribe and support this blog by sharing it on Twitter and Facebook. Thank you!
My friend Ande Waggener at Up From Splat has a lovely interview with me about using intuition in every day life on her site. Click here to listen to it.
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These tips are really helpful right now, Angela. I’ve made a decision which I believe my intuition/spirit received from God. Taking money matters out of the equation really clears things up. We often make decisions based on fear, decisions we regret later on because it failed to lead us to our true path. Our true path becomes evident when we feel in our hearts that we are prepared to take them NO MATTER WHAT.
“I will do this no matter what because even in a single moment, I have felt alive. My life had meaning. I felt special.
I will do this no matter what because an eternity without it would be meaningless. This is the moment that matters. This is the moment that I live my life to the full!”
Joyce,
You have phrased it so beautifully! I couldn’t agree with you more! Yes, to experience the excitement of feeling so alive, if even for a moment, is worth overcoming our fears and plunging headlong into life! Yes~!!~
I must agree with number 5. Agreeing with our internal guidance system is what makes us who we are. We have to listen to our intuition or we will lose a sense of self. It would feel as if we are out of sync of who we are. It’s about going with the flow. Following your heart and knowing you’ll make it in the end. Wonderful post Angela.
Hi Jonathan,
I’m glad you agree! You’re so wise. Yes, if we don’t listen to our intuition we will certainly lose our sense of self for sure.
Thanks so much for visiting and sharing your thoughts here Jonathan.
Angela: I thought this was a really great post and it is so important to get more in tune with yourself and following your intuition. It really is your best guide. I really liked that question you asked yourself when determining whether or not to get another degree. Sometime it is all about just really taking a look at things and your true desires. Great post and message. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Sibyl,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I agree – intuition is really our best guide even when what we feel is the right decision flies in the face of convention. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting Sibyl. I hope your well.
Balance is the thing…as you say, between intuition and the logical mind…but also between doing it for ourselves and being of service to others. I’ve found when I do thing for people that they don’t ask for or that they can do for themselves, I am not only taking their opportunity away, but also I’m being a servant instead of being of service.
If, on the other hand, I ignore people’s needs and focus only on myself, I get less and less opportunity to be of service to others.
Somebody once asked me if I found achieving that balance a tightrope to walk on. On the contrary, when I have things in balance, I carry the balancing pole in my hand and have great control over my journey.
Angela, I truly admire the way you are of service to people. I too believe you will definitely make it, sooner rather than later.
Hi,
I’m in the midst of a writers retreat and only checking my blog periodically, so please excuse the short reply to your lovely comment.
I agree we need to balance the rational mind and intuition – balance is key for sure! If we can find that balance and find the service we can give joyfully from our hearts to the world we truly are blessed and in control of our journey as you say.
I thank you for your wonderful compliments. I’m really touched and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don’t have the time this week to visit any blogs and comment, but I will next week!
Thank you so much for adding to the conversation here.
Hi Angela,
I think I’m ignoring my inner guidance because I don’t want to do something. Which means I’m going to keep getting the same lessons, right? Oh my… Stubborn, slump, fear…oh dear.
I’m going to listen to your interview when I get to daughter no. 3’s in Atlanta. I’m getting ready to board. See you soon!
Hi Tess,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post! I know what it’s like to be in a slump.
Enjoy Atlanta – I’m in Sedona!
Hi, Angela. I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and enjoy it very much. I’m not sure how I originally found it – I think it was a mention by Anna Barlowe. It was definitely Anna who referred me to this particular post.
Anyway…..I’m not an entrepreneur nor do I ever expect to be one, but I am wrestling with other large life decisions and I found this post to be very applicable. As I read the “If you won the lotto…” question, an answer immediately sprang to mind. I thought I knew what I’d do if money were no object, yet when you suddenly put that question in front of me, the answer wasn’t what I thought it would be. In fact, it wasn’t a thought at all, but an instantaneous image. It was surprising, and enlightening.
Thanks for sharing your intuitive wisdom and helping me get in touch with mine.
Hi Lee,
It’s so nice meeting you. I’m glad you enjoy the blog and extremely pleased that you found it helpful to you in your situation.
Thanks so much for commenting.
Wonderful, encouraging and Thank you!
HI Rosemarie,
I’m glad you liked the post.
Hi Angela – Great title! It really caught my eye!
I’m actually facing an opposing devil: “step your game up and get the heck out of corporate America”. It echoes constantly!
“Stop trying to work everything out with your logical mind.”
Was this a directed to me? Because this is something that I battle with big time. Just this year I’ve learned to focus on the right thing. I’ve learned how sensitive the mind is and how we can manufacture results by our thoughts.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom Angela.
Hi Jk,
I’m glad you found the post helpful – that makes my heart sing!
I seems like every time I let go of worry, I have these flashes of ideas and inspiration and I KNOW what I need to do. Gotta remember to tell my “Get a real job” devil to just Go AWAY!
Hi Katie,
Yes, kick that “get a real job devil” to the curb!
Hi Angela,
This is a very important question to place our lives in perspective, “If you won the Lotto today and didn’t have to worry about money, what would you do?” That’s the problem for many of us isn’t it? Our lives revolve around survival so we have to do all we can just to live. This might mean we have to do things we don’t like for the sake of money. In the process, we live unfulfilling lives.
Using our intuition to help us to make the right decisions is a brilliant idea. Often, logic is not enough to properly assess a situation. There are many unknowns that logic alone cannot work out. For me, I find that blending intuition and logic helps me to make much better decisions. After I have assessed a situation with logic, I use my intuition to guide me towards the best course of action to take. I usually go with the choice that feels right.
Thank you for sharing this lovely article! 🙂
Irving the Vizier
HI Irving, I’m so glad you got a lot out of the article. I’m glad you’re using your intuition and logic to make better decisions and choices!
Angela,
I said yes immediately to your first paragraph! We always seem to be on the same page!! John and I always start a decision making process with this questions: If money wasn’t an object… In the end I always feel that I’m headed in the right direction! But I’m not quitting my day job just yet!
Thanks for a great post!
Hi Betsy,
Me either! Not just yet anyway. We’ll get there!
This was the question that really bugged me when I was younger Angela and still annoys today due to the bad attitude of others that goes with when they say it. I made a successful career in sport based on hearing it again and again using two keys to ignore it and win through: 1) Use the bother or frustration it may cause to power up your self-belief even more and 2) Surround yourself with people who support your endeavours and appreciate what you are trying to achieve. Find a focus and develop a determination and beat the boo-hoo brigade!
Well said John! I love that you beat the “boo-hoo brigade!”
Tricky subject to discuss, on the one hand I believe that the angel and devil are both part of ourselves, and we should listen to our true self in order to gain the clearest solution. On the other hand, I believe that there really are two choices, the angel and devil, and we must choose.
Now when I say ‘angel’ and ‘devil’, I don’t mean ‘good’ and ‘evil’, I mean ‘for yourself’ and ‘for others’. The angel represents the choice with others in mind, and the deviil represents the choice with yourself in mind. What you choose isn’t necessarily black and white, sometimes it’s best to go with the devil. Sometimes with the angel.
What do others think? Are angel and devil, good and evil, too stereotypical? Is there more to it?
Hi Stuart,
Yes, that’s too stereotypical. In this case I used them (angel/devil) to illustrate how we have decisions to make, and both have consequences. It’s all really a personal choice. If you decide you can swing becoming a full time entrepreneur and you’re ready to go for it than do it! If not wait until the time is right.
This is an outstanding post, Angela! Just what I needed. Even though we talked about this very subject in that great conversation we had when I interviewed you (and thank you very much for linking to the interview!), I’ve still let myself get on the merry-go-round of “should I do this, should I do that.”
Reading this post has given me the wake-up kick in the pants I needed. 🙂 A couple weeks ago, I wrote a novel draft in 6 1/2 days–I was on fire with energy and feeling great. I finished the draft and set it aside as I always do before rewriting, and I re-focused on blogging, and my energy PLUMMETED. Hmm. Obviously, fiction is calling me.
Thanks, Angela!
Hi Ande,
I’m glad you got a lot out of the post!
Thank you so much for interviewing me – my pleasure to link to it!
Oh I agree – that book is calling you. When I was writing fiction I needed to stay in that “world” with those characters.
I’m leaving tomorrow for a 7 day vacation! I’ll be writing with no interruptions – I’m so looking forward to it.
I work hard on #1, stopping my logical mind from working out all the details. Because, it never works out the way I think its going to anyway. And it is so much easier if I just remind myself to let go and let God (or the universe, if you prefer) handle the details.
Hi Charlotte,
You’re so right – it doesn’t always work out the way the logical mind thinks it will, so like you say let go and let God.
I use God too – and he/she does a great job and handling the details!
Thank you for coming by!
Indeed, Angela. Out inner guidance will never lead us astray. You give some powerful ways to differentiate between the voices. When I find myself trying to work EVERYTHING out with logic I know I have lost the intuitive drive that got me so enthusiastic in the first place. I have to tell myself “stop trying to explain EVERYTHING!”
Hi Rob,
Yes, our inner guidance is there to protect us from harm and lead the way toward our good.
Ah, yes I love how you’ve explained that Rob: When I find myself trying to work everything out with logic I know I have lost the intuitive drive that got me so enthusiastic in the first place – that’s a great way to know the difference too. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing this with us.
Hi Angela,
I live your “if you won the lotto” question. I know my answer. Until I’m able to pursue my passion full time, I will continue to use my common sense, practical judgment AND fuel my passion everyday so I don’t ignore that need either.
Alex
Alex,
I know – that question blew my mind when I heard it from my friend. I met her at a spiritual course and after she asked me that question it took me 2 1/2 years to get the guts and save the finances I’d need to quit my job. I’m doing the same thing you’re doing now – I can’t walk away from my job either. We’ll get there I know it!
Differentiating the two voices is usually not as easy especially if one has used only logic for decision making for a very long time. In many cases of inner conflict, what I do is to trust the intuitive voice first even though it appears not to make sense. And then, I would ask support from the Universe in allowing logic to follow. For me, having the internal harmony is important. It happens when both voices meet to sing the same tune.
Hi Evelyn,
Yes, especially if you’ve relied on logic for most of your life. You are so good! Trusting without question is excellent.
Internal harmony is vital. Without it we can cause physical harm to our bodies.
I love how you put that: both voices sing the same tune – awesome!
Oh, Angela – you’re rooting around in my head again, aren’t you? LOL This is true beyond measure. I’m finding that I’m just a *wee* bit scared of wagering my financial success totally on my intuitive skills. I know I’ll be fine but it’s that little voice that says “what if you’re not as good as you think you are? What if you fail miserably?”
Learning how to acknowledge that voice and still keep following my intuitive guidance is my lesson these days. I’ll get there.
Great (and timely!) post.
Lisa,
I’m part of the same club. Too scared to dive, yet too unfulfilled to stay put.
I know that voice too. I think it’s the same for all of us considering leaving something “safe” behind.
I think that’s part of the journey to walk the walk – not just talk the talk. I totally relate to this lesson too.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and I hope it was of some help to you.
It really is incredible how important intuition actually is – and how many areas of our life can benefit from growing our intuition.
Loved your wisdom about how quietly things happen and the importance of faith when the logical mind wants to tell us that nothing is happening:
“Remember, it’s during these times that seem so quiet and fruitless that things are probably coalescing beneath the surface – and that’s where our faith comes in.”
Hi Aileen,
I always find when things are the most quiet it’s just the dark before the dawn.
Hi Angela,
I agree that the sense of inner calmness you mention is super important in making decisions – I always look for that, and the less sense it makes rationally, the more valid it probably is! I felt that when I met my current boyfriend(s), when I left my job recently, when we moved to our new apartment, when I started writing, etc. etc.
My strategy these days is just to say out loud to the Universe, “Look, if this is what you want me to be doing, I’m willing to do it, but you need to show me that I’m on the right path by making it easy, and by supporting me physically and financially. I don’t care how you do it, I’ll trust you to worry about that part.”
And then I DON’T worry about it, since worry only attracts what you don’t want anyway. And it usually does work out.
I’m also working on some small projects right now that don’t seem to be working out, although they seem logical and sensible. I’ll keep trying as long as it’s fun, but as you said, if I keep encountering obstacles, I will take that as a hint from Source to knock it off and not waste my time on it any longer. The path of least resistance and most enjoyment is often the best path to follow, if only because we’re mostly likely to stick to it!
Hi Anna,
I like your attitude! And, you’re right about worrying too!
The path of least resistance – that’s it! When it flows it goes – if you hit too many walls you gotta crumple it into a ball!