Think about a time you made a decision guided entirely by logic. Now think about a time you followed your gut. Did those decisions serve you — or not?

What makes decision-making so difficult? Part of the answer is in how we were trained. Growing up, we're taught to use our intellect to succeed in school. At work, success is measured by output and action. Very few environments teach us to develop or trust our intuition — that inner knowing felt somewhere between the heart and the abdomen.

Intuition is different from a gut reaction. A gut reaction is often an impulsive response to a strong emotion. Intuition is quieter, more grounded, and more reliable once you learn to access it.

As a career counselor helping clients make major life decisions, I believe it's essential to slow down and connect with that inner voice. I was taught a meditation practice called Intuitive Inquiry by my clinical supervisor, Chris Kelman, and it has genuinely changed my life.

What Is Intuitive Inquiry?

Intuitive Inquiry is a simple, fast practice that helps you access your intuition for any decision — large or small. It doesn't require a lot of time, and it's remarkably effective once you try it.

How to Practice Intuitive Inquiry

Step 1: Gather the facts

Think about the decision at hand. Hold in mind all the relevant facts or data you've been considering.

Step 2: Close your eyes and breathe

Take two deep breaths. Consciously shift your focus away from your head and drop your attention down toward your heart and abdomen.

Step 3: Move into your heart space

Draw your energy toward your heart. Take several long, slow breaths. Let the question you're holding settle there — not spinning in your mind, but resting in your body.

Step 4: Ask yes or no questions

Start asking the situation simple yes/no questions. You can follow up with an open-ended question and often receive a clear one- or two-word response. Most people are surprised by how quickly the answers arrive — and how certain they feel.

How I Use It

Before I begin most work days, I use Intuitive Inquiry to prioritize my tasks. I've also used it for major life decisions and for moments when something simply didn't feel right but I couldn't articulate why. It has significantly reduced the amount of time I spend overthinking — and the amount of regret I carry afterward.

Once I started guiding clients through this practice, many reported that it helped them cut through paralysis and move forward with more confidence. Give it a try and see what comes up for you.