Over the past week I’ve had two occasions when I questioned my gut instinct.  These occasions were not anything life altering; in fact, one was choosing between two shades of blue paint for my kitchen.  In both situations, I quickly found myself reaching out to others I trusted instead of trusting my own intuition.  It frustrates me when I feel indecisive and ask others for input and guidance (I like to blame that on the fact that I’m a Pisces and indecision is a classic trait); it makes me question my self-sufficiency. 

As I started to pass judgment on myself for not trusting my own instincts, I quickly turned it around.  There are many occasions when we appropriately reach out to others who 1) may be subject matter experts, 2) we value their opinions, or 3) who know us well.  It is important to remember that when we ask others for help – whether it’s for a work project, a home chore or in deciding between paint colors – it is actually a sign of strength and not a personal weakness.  Yes, there are times when listening to and acting in congruence with your intuition is absolutely the right thing to do, but, as the Beatles so simply sang, “I get by with a little from my friends”. 

In the business world we find professionals using coaches, participating in mastermind groups and mentoring.  I am a big proponent of these sources of advice and support (and have actively participated in all 3) but ultimately, we are accountable to ourselves and the final call rests with us.  Whether or not we invite others to help us out, it’s that little voice that lies in all of us that will never let us down.

Cheers to that little voice that will guide me when my Pisces traits take over and cheers to my new blue kitchen that I love!

“Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful.”  Ric Ocasek

“Trust your hunches. They’re usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level.”  Dr. Joyce Brothers