Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The primary wisdom is intuition.” It’s not just a nice idea—it’s a fundamental part of who we are. We all experience moments of intuition, those gut feelings that guide us toward the right path. When we listen, things tend to fall into place. But what if we could consistently tap into our intuition rather than stumble upon it by accident?
So why don’t we?
As Carl Jung put it, “Intuition does not denote something contrary to reason, but something outside of the province of reason.” In other words, intuition isn’t about abandoning logic but accessing more profound knowledge. The challenge is that our minds love to stay in control, and intuition doesn’t operate on the mind’s terms. That’s where we get in our way.
Here are nine common ways we unintentionally block our intuition—along with ways to start clearing the path back to it. 1. We move too fast to hear our intuition.
Life is noisy. We rush from one thing to the next, constantly engaged in tasks, distractions, and obligations. Intuition doesn’t yell—it whispers. If we don’t slow down, we won’t hear it.
What to do instead: Carve out moments of stillness, pause before making a decision, breathe deeply, and create space for intuition to surface.
2. We ignore the symbols and patterns unfolding around us.
Intuition speaks in patterns, metaphors, and symbols. But if we aren’t paying attention, we miss the messages it’s trying to send.
What to do instead: Stay open to signs, synchronicities, and gut feelings. Notice repeated themes in your life—specific numbers, songs, words, or dreams that keep showing up. They may be nudging you toward something meaningful.
3. We let our ego take the wheel.
The ego wants to be in charge. It likes certainty, control, and validation. Intuition, on the other hand, operates in the unknown. It asks us to trust without proof, which the ego finds uncomfortable.
What to do instead: Recognize when your ego is trying to override your intuition. Ask yourself: Am I making this decision out of fear, pride, or a need for control? If so, step back and check in with your inner knowing.
4. We mistake fear or wishful thinking for intuition.
Fear can disguise itself as intuition. So can wishful thinking. We may follow false signals if we don’t know how to tell the difference.
What to do instead: Intuition feels calm and clear—even when it’s leading you toward something uncomfortable. Fear, on the other hand, feels urgent and anxious. Practice noticing the difference in sensation between the two.
5. We surround ourselves with people who dismiss intuition.
Just like enthusiasm, intuition is contagious. But so is skepticism. If we spend too much time with people dismissing intuition as nonsense, we may start doubting our instincts.
What to do instead: Spend time with people who trust their intuition and encourage you to do the same. Their energy will support your own intuitive development.
6. We try to force intuition like a skill we can control.
We’re used to mastering skills through effort—lifting weights, practicing an instrument, or solving a math problem. But intuition doesn’t work that way. It can’t be forced; it can only be invited.
What to do instead: Think of intuition like a quiet friend. It shows up when you create the right environment for it—when you’re relaxed, open, and present. Let it come naturally.
7. We rely only on logic to solve problems.
Logic is a great tool, but it’s not the only tool. If we insist on analyzing everything intellectually, we block out other ways of knowing.
What to do instead: Use both intuition and intellect. When making a decision, gather the facts and check in with your gut. Does this path feel right? Does it spark a deep sense of knowing? The best decisions often come from a balance of reason and intuition.
8. We let our ego convince us that we have everything under control.
Sometimes, we don’t seek intuitive guidance because we assume we don’t need it. We convince ourselves that we’ve got things handled. But intuition often has insights that our rational mind overlooks.
What to do instead: Stay humble, ask for guidance, and be willing to receive insights in unexpected ways.
9. We don’t actively develop our intuitive abilities.
Intuition is a natural gift, but like any skill, it grows stronger with practice. We don’t get to experience its full potential if we never engage with it.
What to do instead: Strengthen your intuition with small exercises—meditate, journal about your gut feelings, or take note of the times your intuition was correct. The more you acknowledge it, the more it will show up.
Reclaiming Our Intuition
Albert Einstein—one of the most analytical minds in history—once said, “The real valuable thing is intuition.” If even a scientific genius like Einstein recognized its power, maybe it’s worth paying attention to.
Reconnecting with intuition isn’t about abandoning logic or reason. It’s about expanding the way we perceive and interact with the world. It’s about trusting that deeper voice that often knows the answer before our minds do.
So what happens when we stop blocking our intuition and start listening to it?
We might make decisions with greater ease, avoid unnecessary detours, or step into a flow where things feel aligned.
And maybe, just maybe, we will start to see intuition for what it really is—not some mystical force outside of us but an essential part of who we are.
