It’s confession time.
There’s something huge I’ve been hiding from you about how I run my business. It’s an important detail I’ve left out of the equation.
I’ve kept it a secret not because I wanted to keep the goods to myself or because I’m afraid you’ll judge me. It’s neither of those things.
I’ve kept it a secret because I’m not sure how to explain what this actually is or how I’ve come to use it. I can’t teach it to you in my usual step-by-step fashion with practical, implementable tips that yield immediate results.
Because it’s not a step-by-step kind of thing. It’s so much more complex and nuanced than that.
Yes, step-by-step formulas, techniques, and tips have been essential to making my business work and have created massive results for my clients.
And there’s this other thing that has helped me just as much. I’m not going to hide it from you any longer.
First: a quick story.
I Was Almost Kidnapped in High School
It’s the fall of my sophomore year in high school. I’m walking with my friend (I’ll call her Jane.) from my house to hers. She lives two doors down in our sleepy Boston suburb.
It’s dark outside. There are no cars on the street. Everyone’s at home with their families.
Just before we reach Jane’s driveway, a car drives up and pulls over.
As if controlled by an external force, in sync, Jane and I stop dead in our tracks.
She turns to me and says, “Get ready to run.”
Two men step out of the car. We bolt up Jane’s lawn, bang on the front door, and scurry inside in a panic.
Later that night, Jane and her mom walk me home. Jane’s mom carries Jane’s field hockey stick for protection. (That’s all we had. Remember: quiet, sleepy suburbs.)
On their return walk, the car approaches again. Thankfully, they make it back to their house safely.
Two men in a car may not unnerve you if you live in a city, but in our little neighborhood, this was not a typical scene. People didn’t park on the streets unless there’s a party. And there was no party that night. Everyone knew everyone, except we didn’t know these men.
So what was it that stopped Jane and me in sync when the car pulled up? It wasn’t logic. We stopped to quickly to “think it through” or “ask questions.”
Instead, we were stopped suddenly by the power of our intuition.
What told Jane to prepare us to dart up the lawn? Again: intuition.
Kidnapping and My Business
At the time, I didn’t think about intuition. It wasn’t a part of my vocabulary nor my everyday thinking.
But this high school story relates to a second important story I want to tell you today.
It’s August 2008. I’m waist-deep in my search for a new career to escape corporate drudgery. I know I need a new path, but I’m not sure what it should be. I’m thinking about going into counseling, checking out night programs to get my Masters, but I’m just not sure.
I call therapist I once worked with to ask her what she thought. “Was therapy the right career path for me?”
She says, “I’m sure you could do it. That’s not the question. I think there’s a part of you that would do much better working with people who are in a good place and want to go someplace even better. Have you thought about life coaching?”
I share my litany of excuses why that’s not a good idea. She counters, “You should check out this woman I know named Susan. She’s a life coach, and I think you’d like her.”
I gave Susan a call, and we chatted for an hour about life coaching. She said, “I’m giving a talk tomorrow night about The Work of Byron Katie. It’s related to my life coaching work. You should come.”
I went. And honestly, at the end of the talk my brain felt scrambled. I didn’t really understand The Work, but there was a huge sense of “I must know more!”
I went to the website for The Work and saw there was a 9 day program in October in Los Angeles. It was $4200 + travel. I had never spent money like that on myself before, but I knew I HAD TO GO. I booked it within 24 hours.
I didn’t even understand The Work, yet I knew without a doubt that I had to be there.
I went to The School for The Work for 9 days. I returned home and signed up for life coach training. I started my business… and the rest is history.
What got me to The School? My intuition.
What helped me enroll in the coach training perfect for me? My intuition.
The internal pull I felt to take both of these huge financial leaps was undeniable. I still didn’t know about intuition, nor was I really even thinking about it. But it was strong enough to break through my logical mind and set me on the right path.
In the Everyday Stuff, Too
My intuition saved me from a kidnapping. My intuition got me on my right career path. That’s all good, but honestly, those were one-hit-wonders.
Since then, my intuition has become so much more than freakish, random blasts to help me on my path. It has become my compass every single day.
My intuition helps me…
– know when I should launch a program
– determine if I should work with someone as a client
– know which person to hire in my business
– feel confident that I’m taking the right medication for my Lyme disease
– and so much more.
Yes, I use practical tips, tools, systems, process, and step-by-step methodologies to create massive success in my business. And I use my intuition every single day.
Without it, I’d be lost.
With it, I’m on track, focused, and clear.
Without it, I’d be scrambling, simply balancing pros and cons and thinking about things only using my mind.
With it, I have incredible depth to my decision-making, helping me me step forward with calmness and confidence.
It’s because of my intuition that I was able to invest in a $20k mastermind program feeling calm and confident, even though I didn’t have the money to pay for it.
It is because of my intuition that I was able to leave a business partnership after investing 9 months of intense time and energy to make it happen.
It is because of my intuition that I started taking medication for Lyme disease before the conclusive tests results were in.
And every one of these moves has been EXACTLY RIGHT for me.
Armed with intuition, I am able to make big (and small) decisions with calmness, clarity, and confidence, even if I don’t have all of the information my logical mind thinks is necessary to move forward.
My success would be very limited if I only used my mind. I’ve needed my intuition to reach my full potential. Tweet that!
The Journey Continues
Since my intuitive moment in 2008, I’ve been walking down the path of developing and honing my intuition. It hasn’t always been linear, easy, or straightforward. It started out murky, frustrating, and wildly uncomfortable. And some days it’s still like that.
Overall, however, intuition – paired with logic – runs my business and my life.
Whenever I’m faced with a question about what next step to take, I check in with my intuition.
Whenever I have a hunch that I should or shouldn’t do something, I listen. Even when it doesn’t make sense.
And I remind myself, sometimes daily, that “this is how I want to live.” Meaning, I want to listen to and follow my intuition for the big and the small things.
Whether in matters of life or business, I let my intuition guide me. It means my logical mind isn’t always in charge. Sometimes my ego has to step aside. And I may not know where I’m headed or why. But this is the choice I’ve made because it feels right.
And so far, it seems to be working out really, really well.
What’s Yours Telling You?
I’ve taken a circuitous path to learn to hear, trust, and follow my intuition. I’ve been blessed with wise teachers and friends who have helped me deepen my own knowing.
Now I’d love to hear from you. Tell me…
How connected are you with your intuition? What is your next step for deepening this connection?
If you use your intuition in business, how do you use it? Or how would you like to use it?
What questions do you have about using intuition in life and business?
What tips, articles, ideas, or books have you found useful in learning to connect with and listen to your intuition?
I can’t wait to hear all of your thoughts, insights, questions and suggestions in the comments below. I know we’ll have a lively, helpful, intuitive conversation here today!
As always, thank you so much for reading. And please, if you know someone who wants to use their intuition in business or has tips for helping others, please pass along this article!
Unlike the previous posters, I don’t naturally listen to my intuition…like…ever. I tend to gravitate toward thinking, reasoning and logic–typically leading to overthinking and reasoning my way into and out of everything.
From the few times I’ve led with my intuition, I know that it’s a good thing, I just can’t seem to REMEMBER to use my intuition for each decision.
Perhaps I need to set an alert for every 30 minutes that asks, “What does your intuition say about this?” Although my intuition is telling me that my head would just take over and tell me what it thinks instead. Le sigh.
I totally understand, Leah! My intuition was squashed out of me, and it was an intentional effort to bring it back. It was almost like setting timers; I checked in first thing in the morning very intentionally and I also checked in with every decision. Slowly and surely it became routine to check in. I bet the same will happen with you.
Jenny
Wow how cool that you wrote this post RIGHT NOW! I have just finished my 6 month intensive coaching course and it was my intuition that got me standing one day in front of a training group signing up for this 6 month 15k course, I also had no idea how I was going to afford it. 6 months later I have transformed my outlook on life and have launched my coaching practice in addition to my other business Sterling and Hyde (a womens fashion accessory brand specialising it Italian leather handbags) so in other words in a completely different field.
As a woman who usually let logical decisions rule, intuition + logic = powerhouse decisions.
Keep doing what you are doing, I love reading and learning from you
With love
Amy
Woohoo!! I love a ballsy move (backed by intuition and logic). And I love that equation because that’s exactly how it feels to me, too!!
My intuition has been my guide for a very long time. I didnt start using it because of any books or articles, it just comes naturally to me. One of the ways I’ve used it lately, is to not do a teleseminar, but to do a magazine instead.
Nice!
Wow. I so needed to read that. I’m totally in the middle of a dilemma about whether or not to write and launch my high-end idea for a programme (currently nicknamed my ‘pooh programme’ because I don’t have a name yet!) and my brain keeps telling me that it’s not a good idea, but my gut is telling me that it’s totally the right thing to do. I keep thinking that it’s sooooo not a cool thing to do, but my intuition is that I am exactly the right person to do it. From this post, I’m realising that I should take more notice of my intuition, not less of it.
thank you!
It’s funny that you mention this dilemma, Claire. I have a great friend who I joke with that “logic” never works for her but intuition always does. She has a ton of examples of how she did it “the practical way” and it didn’t turn out, yet when she did something wildly intuitive that looks not-logical, it always works out. It’s been over time that she has gathered evidence of how her intuition is spot-on. Regardless of what you decided to do — logic or intuition — take stock of what happens because these are all opportunities to learn how we operate best.
I guess the reason I find it hard is that it’s tricky to say to family and friends that the reason for doing something ‘feels’ right, rather than that it makes good business or logical sense. I come from a lovely yet unintuitive family, so just saying that my gut feeling is …. makes me seem a bit wild!!!
I understand. My family is very logical, too. I’ve just been dubbed the weird one and have (mostly) made peace with it! 🙂
Nice post Jenny! My intuition has been a huge part of my life, though I’d never have admitted it before. I’m only now getting interested in really developing it further. I’d love to know what worked for you as you learned to pay more attention to it! I feel these hits of intuition about things, but I tend to write them off as nothing, until they prove themselves to be true. How did you learn to hone in your intuition and use it in your business?
I did a few things that helped intuition become a habit. When I was first reconnecting with my intuition, I’d check in with it on inconsequential decisions like what to eat or what route to take when I was driving somewhere. It was mainly to show myself that disaster wouldn’t strike if I followed it; that I was safe.
As I got more comfortable with it, I started checking in before making any decision, small or big, and see if I got a hit. What blog post to write about, what date to launch something, whether or not to take on a particular client. I’d make notes of when I did follow intuition or when I followed logic against my intuition and see how it turned out.
Over a few years I came to have lots of evidence that my intuition was usually spot-on, and it became easier and easier to trust. And with all of that practice, it’s pretty much second nature to use both intuition and logic with everything I do in my biz (probably 80/20).
Hope that helps!
Great post (and scary story about the kidnapping – glad you trusted your gut there!). All of my best business decisions come from my gut. If I get a feeling (or what I call “a sign”), I always trust it 100%. It’s never been wrong.
It’s funny how we all have words for it. I call them “hits” but I didn’t want people to be confused about what I meant by that!
I just discovered Byron Katie and The Work last week. Amazing stuff. Really. You are, too. One of the few bloggers I continue to read. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you!
Thanks for the great post, Jenny! Yes, I use intuition a lot. I followed it when I signed up for my first coach training 5 years ago, and many other decisions since then. It’s only been in the last 18 months that I’ve really given myself over to trusting it all the time. I started a daily practice of tantric meditations, and that has made a huge difference. It has really allowed me to open up to my moment-to-moment experience and sense what is right for me. And the more I live that way, the more I trust it. I do get a bit hung up on creating my business that way. There are so many people with such expertise and wisdom about creating a business that I can get caught up in following other people’s advice (yourself included)! I’ve just been trying to take in what other people advise, and then feel my way through it moment by moment. It’s working for me, but I do find myself doubting the process at times.
I totally know what you mean, Peggy, about trusting others with your business given that they have more experience. It’s like when we were growing up and our parents taught us whatever they taught us. As we grew up and gained life experience, we took from our parents what we liked and ditched the rest. The same is true with your business. Learn from those with more experience and also use your intuition to feel out if their approach jives with you. You’re learning like a child is learning, but you have the intuitive wisdom of an adult! And it’s also okay to doubt yourself in the process. That’s certainly normal!
Thanks, Jenny! Thanks a very helpful way of looking at it.
You are so right! I don’t know about you, but my intuitive voice sounds different from the chatter in my mind. Its very clear, strong and nurturant all at once. My intuition’s directions are simple and straightforward.
I’ve noticed that the more I trust my intuition, the more it speaks to me. It has never been wrong. Such a great way to live. Thanks for this blog.
Yes — over time I’ve definitely been able to sort out mind chatter versus intuition. Though there are still some areas where I’m so in the muck of my own thinking that I can’t distinguish easily. It certainly takes practice!
Yes! I used my intuition when I turned down the “big safe job on Wall Street” right out of college, that would have not been very safe or good for me in the long term. I also use my intuition in different ways day to day, and it’s something I’m always honing and bringing more into my business, too.
I also love learning about intuition, how it works, and what kind of cool stuff other people have experienced. So thank you for sharing your stories Jenny, you are incredible. 🙂
Thank goodness for intuition saving us from jobs! 🙂
I get that you’re very intuitive, Nath. I’m really curious what you’ve read, listened to, and studied to keep developing yours. Especially because I love how much you pair logic and brainy smarts with intuition — that’s how I like to roll, too.
You’re so consistently so good! I’m sorry I didn’t have time to meet you at WDS in July — I’ve already got my ticket for next year, perhaps we’ll connect then.
Thanks for keeping the bar high enough to be a fun stretch.
Great post Jenny. I think often we use our intuition without knowing that’s what it is. And I agree that logic doesn’t work alone, it’s a real left brain/right brain balance thing. I’ve been steadily developing my intuition as a tool, rather than something I didn’t really understand, but used randomly, for the last few years.
Recently using my intuition has changed things for me beyond what I could have imagined. For most of my life I wanted to do ‘something creative that helped people’, which was my vague and inarticulate way of putting it! But it just didn’t seem to be happening, and in hindsight I can see it’s because I was still letting a lot of shoulds dictate my choices.
After a series of intuitive decisions recently and a decision to follow my heart and the things that matter most to me in every area of my life, not just one or two, suddenly the strands are beginning to weave together into something I’m incredibly excited about. My life has changed so much I can hardly believe it! And it definitely wouldn’t have without intuition. Thanks for showing how important intuition is in business; I think sometimes it gets relegated to the sidelines and it’s so useful and important. Oh, and I’m glad you didn’t get kidnapped!
What a great story, Tara! Thank you for sharing!
It has taken me such a long time to realize that the voice inside my head that tells me to do things is smarter than the external me. I am now trying really hard to listen to that voice. The tough part comes when your instinct tells you something that makes no sense to the rest of the world and you have to stand your ground. Empowering but scary. Great post!
Logical mind versus intuition is definitely something we can all relate to! I’m happy to hear you’re finding more confidence in that voice in your head!
Great post, Jenny! I know that I do my best work when I keep my intuition in the driver’s seat, and have always noticed that when I override it the results are not quite what I’m looking for….it’s great to be reminded of this, so thanks for writing about it–it’s actually just what I needed to read at this time! 🙂
Love good timing! Happy it helped, Jennifer!
I don’t feel like I’ve developed any business intuition yet, but following my intuition is how I healed myself from Lyme disease too. It’s really the only rational way to do it.
Jenny, this is a great post & hope it gives lots of folks permission to access their intuition!
I find that people hear their intuition in different ways – “hearing” just being one example of how people access intuition. I often will ask clients about a time when they just “knew” something: how did they “know”? That’s one way to find that intuitive channel.
It may sound a little weird but I also find that checking in with the body helps – see where there are sensations when you ‘know’. Common places I notice people mention will be hands/palms, heart/chest, gut/stomach, body warming up… If you can find “your” place that intuition resides in your body, then you can access it again when you need to check in.
Might sound a little funky, but it works – even with people who didn’t know before that their intuition was a legitimate way of getting information about what to do next!
Such a great point about how we access intuition, Hanna! Yes, some people hear, others see, some know, and others feel. Or a combo of all of them. In Martha Beck’s Life Coach Training program there was a lot of “feeling in your body” that we learned about — and wow, the wisdom in that!
Thanks for adding this to the mix. Super helpful!
My mantra since I quit my job to start my business has been “get out of my head and into my heart.” When I’m scared, I tend to start approaching problems and making decisions based on intellect rather than intuition. This year has been a slow process of learning to trust my inner wisdom, something I think will be a life-long process! I think it takes a lot of courage to trust your intuition in this intellect-based world, especially when you’re starting your own business. Thanks for sharing, we all need to hear this!
As they say, “Intuition is how you turn experience into action.“
Well, I use my intuition all the time. Sometimes it even makes me feel a little crazy because it doesn’t always tie into anything rational.
For awhile now it has been saying, “you need to work with Jenny” I just haven’t clarified how or when. So, maybe we should talk and see what happens. Could be a kind of kismet.
Are you game?
Unfortunately I’m not taking new clients right now, Mariam, but I do have something I’ll be announcing in a few weeks that may be just the ticket! Stay tuned…
No worries, one thing about my intuition is that is has really bad timing. Just thought I would give it a try. I will keep my eyes out for the opportunity.