In this society, there are many who are determined to follow the well-worn or more certain path, even if they don’t necessarily agree with it. This is a great trait if the motivation is soundly based; it demonstrates a willingness to stick it out, showing determination and grit. However, if you’re doing something you don’t care about or believe in, it’s never worth it.
Not listening to your intuition is damaging in the short-term and especially over the long-term. When you don’t listen to the one voice that matters the most, you are letting the most important person down in the worst way possible–yourself.
Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to your intuition:
1) Not listening is never worth it
Even if the path is more challenging, scary or uncertain, it’s more worthwhile than staying on a path you know is not right for you. Similarly, it’s better to make the decision you believe in, even if it’s the less popular choice and may be subject to criticism.
In times of taking the less certain path or less popular decision for myself, it’s been significantly uncomfortable and extremely challenging. However, one thing remains true; I have never regretted those decisions. While being uncomfortable is usually not enjoyable by default, there is always greater learning and growth. Most importantly, you’re standing up for what you believe in.
What’s worse is not even giving yourself a chance or doing something that is isn’t aligned with what you believe in. There may be a short-term benefit, but going against your intuition never works out in the long-term. Personal integrity, self-respect and confidence are just a few examples of what is potentially compromised as a result.
2) It will catch up with you
If you choose to ignore your intuition, you will deal with the consequences and the correction in course will happen at some point in the future. It is the inevitability of disrespecting the inner voice within you. When and how it will happen is the pinnacle of the storyline that differs by person. Whether it’s stress, health-related issue, miracle, accident, or life crisis, there will be a redemption point.
The best thing you can do and continue doing is to listen to your intuition and trust that over time, it will work out just the way it’s meant to be. This means making those tough decisions even if it’s scary.
3) Everything happens for a reason
Unexpected occurrences happen, and sometimes we wonder what’s the reason behind it. Even if we don’t understand it at the time, there is always a purpose that connects in hindsight. From our current perspective it is often difficult to see the bigger picture up ahead.
Setbacks exist regardless, whether you’re following your intuition or not, so you might as well do what you believe in. Know there is always a reason for what you’re experiencing. Perhaps you’re learning a valuable lesson in dealing with failure or developing persistence. Taking action in the face of adversity will only make you stronger and more able to deal with other situations.
More practically, whatever happens simply happens. You get to decide how you respond to it. It’s easier to feel good when you believe in what you’re doing. It’s also easier to choose happiness when you’re following your intuition. While one could try choosing happiness while ignoring intuition, it usually doesn’t work out very well.
Ultimately, the best choice you can make is to listen to your intuition in spite of doubts, fears or what others may think. Denial will only get you so far until the inevitable. Trust yourself, it will be worthwhile in the end.