Einstein said, “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant.”
While he was absolutely right, there is a potential downside to this “sacred” gift: intuition bias.
Intuition bias is the flip side of “good” intuition, and it’s often difficult to distinguish.
However, it’s important you learn to do so, because this mind knot complicates judgment.
There are multiple reasons for this.
First, it is easier to follow intuition than to do the analytical work involved in non-intuitive alternatives.
Intuition bias also evokes emotion into the equation.
We often experience stronger emotions related to potential outcomes of gut-driven choices.
Finally, when we act on intuition, we experience an elevated sense of personal accountability.
This can compel us to drive the outcome associated with our intuitive choice, even if it’s not the right choice.
Left unchecked, intuition can be more of a “gnarl” than a “gift.”
Too often, it can lead to irrational thinking, bad decisions, and/or catastrophic outcomes.
So, how can you avoid these outcomes?
It starts with mindset.
On a ship, the bridge is the hub for judgment and decisions.
It’s where situations are assessed, approaches are considered, and decisions are made.
And it’s where complexity is processed, organized, and translated into strategies and action.
In the best of situations, it’s where intuition intersects with logic.
Learn to make your mind like the bridge of a ship.
If you do, it will result in sound and savvy decisions, and consequently, good outcomes.
