Hey there, lovely readers! Today I want to tackle a topic that many of us struggle with: deciphering between our fears and our gut instincts. It’s a tricky balance, isn’t it? Sometimes it can be hard to tell if that little voice in your head is trying to protect you or if it’s holding you back out of fear. Let’s dive into this and figure out how to differentiate between the two.

First off, let’s talk about fear. We all have it—it’s a natural response to the unknown, to change, to taking risks. Fear can manifest in different ways: as that pit in your stomach when you’re about to try something new, as self-doubt creeping in when you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, or as a nagging voice in your head telling you all the reasons why you shouldn’t do something.

Now, let’s move on to gut instincts. Your gut, your intuition, your inner compass—whatever you want to call it—it’s that deep-seated feeling, that inner knowing that guides you in making decisions. It’s that sense that something just feels right or wrong, even if you can’t quite explain why. Your gut instincts often come from a place of wisdom and experience, and they can be a powerful tool in navigating life’s twists and turns.

So, how do you differentiate between your fears and your gut instincts? Here are a few tips to help you tune in to what your inner voice is telling you:

1. Listen to the Tone: Fear often speaks in a louder, more urgent voice, while your gut instincts may be more subtle and calm. If that voice in your head is screaming at you with worst-case scenarios and catastrophizing, it’s likely fear talking. On the other hand, if you feel a quiet sense of certainty or unease, that could be your intuition nudging you in a certain direction.

2. Consider the Source: Reflect on where these feelings are coming from. Are your fears rooted in past traumas, limiting beliefs, or societal expectations? Or are your gut instincts based on your values, desires, and genuine intuition? Understanding the source of these thoughts can help you discern between them.

3. Check Your Physical Reactions: Fear can often be accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweaty palms, or tense muscles. Pay attention to how your body responds when faced with a decision or situation. If you notice these physical reactions intensifying, it could be a sign that fear is at play. On the other hand, a sense of calmness or a feeling of alignment with your core beliefs may indicate that your intuition is guiding you.

4. Trust Your Inner Knowing: Learning to differentiate between fear and intuition requires trust in yourself. Your gut instincts are there to help you navigate through life’s uncertainties, and they often lead you towards growth and fulfillment. Take the time to quiet your mind, listen to your inner voice, and trust the wisdom that resides within you.

Remember, it’s okay to feel fear—it’s a natural part of being human. The key is to not let fear control your decisions or hold you back from opportunities for growth. Tune into your gut instincts and learn to trust them, this will help you empower yourself to make choices that align with your true desires and values. So, next time you’re faced with a tough decision, take a moment to pause, breathe, and listen to what your gut is telling you. Trust in your inner compass, and let it guide you towards a path that feels right for you.

Business is a journey filled with uncertainties and risks. It often requires making decisions that can have a significant impact on your professional path. In this context, trusting your gut instincts and differentiating between fear and intuition becomes even more crucial.

As you embark on your business endeavours, fear may present itself in various forms. It can manifest as doubts about your abilities, worries about failure, or concerns about stepping outside of your comfort zone. Recognizing these fear-based thoughts is essential in order to not let them hinder your progress and growth. Personally, my biggest fears were ‘camera’ and ‘popularity’. Honestly, I also feared lack of acceptance and failure. Due to my fear of the camera, I couldn’t make video versions of my works for several years, I couldn’t make videos on food and culture, I couldn’t do so many things I wanted to do. These fears also prevented me from creating courses for my students, especially since I didn’t exactly have good video editing skills, so I couldn’t exactly make faceless videos or avatar-based videos, either of which would have been a great alternative. Also, during one-on-one coaching, I couldn’t take advantage of video conferencing, I couldn’t use Zoom, facetime, Skype, WhatsApp video call, or anything that will require letting people see me on camera. Of course, I couldn’t contact family and friends through video call in my own personal life, yes, it was that bad. I only took my own pictures once in a while, and a whole year could pass without me taking a single photo of myself.
What is the point? Our fears are our greatest enemies and they stand against success. Granted, there are fears we may never get over, no one blames you, but at least, try and learn how to cope with your fears and live above them. Don’t let those fears stop you from living your best life.

I must confess that I understand that some of these feelings are not fears, they’re just who we are, the person we are built to be. For example, it could be the natural introverted self speaking. However, the good news is that we have the capacity to choose the person we’ll be from this moment on. The fight won’t be easy, but it’s definitely possible.

I’m not saying you’re going to stop being introverted, I’m an INFJ myself, so I’ll be a hypocrite to say that. Though as an INFJ, I’m naturally an ambivert, not exactly an introvert or extrovert. However, personally, I have a dominant introverted inner person, though I could be perfectly extroverted when the situation calls, although not for an extended period of time before I get extremely exhausted.

Nevertheless, as an introvert, you don’t have to change, but you can definitely become an introverted badass who gives people a run for their money. You don’t have to change your personality for any reason, but you can become more confident and more fierce. Harness that menacing aspect of introversion and approach life like the world is at your feet.

On the other hand, your gut instincts serve as a valuable compass in navigating the complexities of running a business or creating content. These instincts, rooted in your experiences and values, can guide you towards making decisions that resonate with your true vision and goals. Learning to listen to and trust these intuitive nudges can lead you to opportunities for success and fulfillment in your chosen field.

In the world of entrepreneurship, coaching, writing, or content creation, the line between fear and intuition can sometimes blur. Pay attention to the tone of your inner voice, consider the sources of your feelings, observe your physical reactions, and most importantly trust your inner knowing, so that you can better distinguish between fear-driven hesitations and intuitive guidance.

So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads in your business or creative endeavors, take a moment to tune into your gut instincts. Trust in your abilities, listen to that quiet sense of certainty or unease, and allow your intuition to steer you towards decisions that align with your authentic self. Embrace the wisdom of your inner compass in order to chart a course that leads to success, growth, and fulfillment in your chosen profession. Trust in yourself, lovely readers, and let your intuition be your guide in navigating the exciting journey ahead.

If you loved this, tell me your thoughts in the comments section below and also tell me what you’ll love me to talk about next. I always love hearing from you and reading your amazing experiences.