Transitioning from Rational Thinking to Intuitive Thinking: A Paradigm Shift

Article by: Marilen Crump #expertdreamcatcher

Have you ever struggled with uncertainty when making decisions or solving problems? The entrepreneurial journey often presents this complex challenge. It can lead to stress, doubt, and regrets.

Growing up, I was primarily taught to be a rational thinker, with little emphasis on the intuitive aspect of decision-making. Intuition was seldom mentioned in the classroom, during discussions about goal achievement, or when I sought advice on choosing a career path.

I don't place blame on anyone for this shortcoming. It may be that this outlook is less familiar to those living day-to-day, possibly on a paycheck-to-paycheck basis. I was raised among faith-led individuals, yet decisions were often rationalized, and I was advised to pray about them. Most believed that God would fix any mistakes that we might have made. He would turn around misfortunes if we asked.

This statement does not aim to discredit the wonderful mysteries of faith and other blessings of grace. At a certain point in my journey, I began to sense that something was missing. Can I improve my decision-making not just by relying on God to correct mistakes, but also by learning to make better choices in the first place?

As I began asking these types of questions, I discovered excellent sources of information that led me to learn more about mindfulness and intuition. I frequented the library to find books in the self-improvement section and new understanding quickly engrossed my mind. It was an exciting find!

I'll compile my favorite books in a later article for you to use as a resource ;)

What are the main differences between Rational and Intuitive thinking?

Traditionally RATIONAL thinking involves gathering information and measuring the outcomes with practices that can be seen and studied. In a rational progression, you can track your steps and show details on why the next steps were made. I see it as tangible proof of actions and credentials - like showing your work in a math class.

For INTUITIVE thinking, it can feel as though you're tapping into an unseen knowledge source, often referred to as a "gut feeling". This may not be trusted by others unless you have consistently made successful decisions using your intuition. If you lean more towards intuitive decision-making and work with someone who doesn't, you may find it challenging to convince others of your viewpoint.

Balancing Rational and Intuitive Thinking

I have been in the practice of developing my intuition since 2008 and I have learned that a blend of the two thoughts is essential. Rational thought lays the groundwork for action, while informed decisions based on education and experience lead to improved intuition.

Consider photography... as an instructor in this field, I first teach my students the fundamentals or the "rules". Only after they grasp these can they learn how to break them. In my view, teaching intuition follows a similar pattern. One should first understand the limits of critical thinking, and then devise innovative, novel, and creative solutions to present something truly unique and effective.

Intuition can be and should be developed like any other muscle. Without intuition, decisions could be missing key elements that could develop into amazing levels of success. Here are some ways that you can find a balance between the two and knowing when to use each mode of thinking. Here are some steps to help make this transition:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can help you tune into your intuition. They allow you to become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, which are often sources of intuitive insights.
2. Trust Your Gut: Start paying attention to your gut feelings and give them the consideration they deserve. If something feels right or wrong, don't dismiss it immediately. Take some time to explore these feelings.
3. Reflect on Past Experiences: Our intuition is often shaped by our past experiences. Reflecting on these experiences and the decisions you made can help you understand your intuition better.
4. Embrace Uncertainty: Intuitive thinking often involves a degree of uncertainty, as it doesn't rely on concrete evidence or logical reasoning. Learn to be comfortable with this uncertainty and see it as a source of possibility and creativity.

Transitioning from rational thinking to intuitive thinking involves a shift in mindset. It requires us to trust our instincts, embrace uncertainty, and balance our logical reasoning with our intuitive insights. By doing so, we can enhance our decision-making skills, boost our creativity, and navigate our personal and professional lives more effectively.

Feel free to ask me any further questions you might have on this topic.

Do you credit your intuition for your success?

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