Some people say they are unable to determine if it's their intuition or their insecurities that are holding them back from making a decision. Let's try and determine the difference.
Insecurities are defined by google dictionary as, uncertainty or anxiety about oneself; a lack of confidence. As well as the state of being open to danger or threat; lack of protection.
Intuition is defined by the google dictionary as the ability to understand something immediately, without conscious reasoning.
If we compare the two we see that insecurities are rooted in fear while intuition is rooted in confidence. Fear often clouds our judgement making us unsure and questioning our choices. We second guess our decision and fill our minds with all of the negative possibilities.
Intuition on the other hand does not need to be questioned, there is confidence in the decision and a knowing that it feels right and will yield a positive outcome.
It is one thing to know the difference intellectually but how can we decipher between the two in the moment? Our bodies are amazing at providing us with clues about how we are managing our emotions. Let's compare the two bodily responses of insecurity and intuition.
Insecurity
Insecurity is all about second-guessing yourself, you are unsure. If you are experiencing insecurity you can either be in a hyper-aroused or hypo-aroused state. Hyper-aroused is the fight or flight response. You may be sweating, feel a restriction in your throat or chest. Your thoughts may be unclear or racing, you can feel anger or rage. A hypo-aroused state is the freeze response you may feel non-responsive, you may shut down emotionally, or feel lost and have a passive response. Insecurities don't allow you to make a rational decision as your body is not in a calm state.
Intuition
If it's your intuition that is guiding you, you'll be in a parasympathetic state. You will be able to regulate your emotions. While in a parasympathetic state you have a sense of being in the here and now and feel grounded in your decision. Your body will be calm, your breathing will be regulated and your mind is clear and precise.
Perhaps the biggest difference between insecurity and intuition is trust. When you are experiencing insecurity you don't trust yourself. When you follow your intuition you do so with complete certainty. Oh, but how do you trust yourself you may ask? If you lack trust in yourself start small. Make small decisions and stop and remind yourself that you have confidence in your abilities to do so. Start small and work your way up to bigger challenges. As you learn to pay attention to your mind and your body you'll learn to understand how you respond to decision making. The more choices you make the more you'll learn to trust yourself.
Insecurities are based on limiting beliefs, whereas intuition is based on your highest and best good. Don't allow your insecurities to limit your potential. The more you pay attention to your body and trust yourself, the more likely you will follow your intuition. It is there to guide you and will provide you with clues, you just need to become aware.
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