Have you had that experience of suddenly having a huge hunch something is about to happen, and to your surprise, that intuition was eventually translated into reality?
When you feel strongly about something without logical basis to it, that's called intuition. It comes in three impressions: clairvoyance or "the third eye," sensing clearly, and feeling through listening.
Intuition, in the context of career planning or
job search, is often undervalued or dismissed in Western culture. This is regrettable because intuition often serves as a superior way to make a career decision. Using a behavioral model, revert back to a time when your intuition was calling you to do something or not to do something. Did you let the intuition pass by without realizing the consequences?
For example, did you accept a less satisfying job, while suppressing your inner intuition? What was the result? Probably unsatisfactory!
In Western culture, we emphasize, quite naturally, the rational mind coming up with ideas. In contrast, when we engage in our intuitive abilities, magic happens. Our logical, "rational" minds relax and allow ideas to flow. Then, solutions appear...
Grace Cirocco, author of
Take the step: The Bridge Will Be There, embraces intuition as inner source which has "saved lives, discovered cures, and made people rich."
Regrettably, some Westerners minimize intuition in favor of logical or rational decisions. By contrast, what happens when we tap into intuition? Important information appears before us that we need to know - before we make decisions.
Clairvoyance
occurs when your eye goes beyond what it can see. In other words, you know what is happening somewhere. For example, we may receive messages in pictures, symbols, colors, dreams, and visions. Or, you may experience a movie that "plays in your mind," that is intended to give you information.
Clair-sentience is sensing clearly or what we refer to as "hunch" or a "gut feeling." Think of when you are feeling overwhelmed and you can't explain it. Your response may be,
"Don't know why, it just seems like the right thing to do." (Notice I am using the present tense as much as possible. Living in the moment has a natural affinity with intuition, which relies upon the present moment).
On the other hand, clair-audience is listening between the lines. Intuition also happens at times when a certain sound, such as a song in your head or a voice outside your ear, which ushers in an intense feeling.
They say only a number of people are gifted with intuition. Astrologers even insist people born under the Scorpio (me!) or Pisces signs are naturally intuitive. However, numerous studies claim anyone can develop intuition. I believe this is true based on two reasons: having sought advice from an intuitive consultant for over three years and having the power of the mind to unleash intuition as a noble decision-making tool. (Just ask career expert Cathy Goodwin:
www.cathygoodwin.com)
Why the need to develop intuition, you ask? Intuition also makes you far more creative. Intuition means releasing more creative juices for any means of expression. Lastly, intuition has a healing power. This healing power delves deeply into your soul to eradicate negative energy. For example, are you still harboring anger or hurt from a layoff or dismissal? Do not allow this negative energy to fester, otherwise it will totally impair your job search!
The Power Of Intuition In Your Job Search
Are you ready to develop your intuition? Here are some ways to unlock this gift (not everyone is bestowed with this):
1. Hypnosis
Oh yes, get yourself hypnotized. Hypnosis is not limited to watching a pendulum move back and forth. Perform self-hypnosis or you can avail of hypnotic programs that can strengthen your intuition.
2. Meditation
Meditating means finding peace in yourself. If your mind and heart are cluttered with too much baggage and or self-defeating thoughts, you will not be able to quiet down; this is essential to engaging intuition. Easy ways to meditate are through yoga, classes, or just lighting incense and watching the smoke.
3. Positive Thinking
Though this is difficult if you are unemployed or underemployed, a worry-free, fear-free state could improve your intuitive ability exponentially. By staying positive, you attract good energy that would be able to easily recognize imminent feelings and events. Present yourself positively during an interview, so the employer will "pick up" your energy.
4. Letting Go
What does this mean? If you are on the brink of making a huge decision, let go of all the inhibitions and head to a quiet place where you could find out where the letting go has brought you. I personally have made some of my best decisions while taking a nature walk. That's when I feel the most spiritual. Listen to the voice within you and pay attention to everything you hear, think, feel or know. This is how to receive psychic guidance.
5. Patience
After letting go of the inhibitions and all those things that stop you from thinking and feeling clearly, never expect an answer right away. This aligns closely from my training in solution-focused counseling, which resembles Buddhism: "If the student is willing, the teacher will come forward." In other words, if we don't suppress our intuitive thoughts, an answer will appear in time.
6. First Impressions
When you see someone for the first time and think he is a bit too arrogant for your taste, chances are that impression actually holds true. Most of the time, first impressions are brought by intuition. Think of interviews.
Statistics show the interviewer forms an impression of you within the first five minutes of the interview! Conversely, in customer service, they say "you only have one chance to make a positive impression."
7. Happiness
See? All you need to be intuitive is to stay happy! Happiness attracts immense power and such power includes intuition. Even if you're unemployed, put on a brave face and demonstrate happiness. Potential hiring managers will respond to your behavior.
Intuition is helpful because, sometimes, it leads you to something that cannot be achieved otherwise. Decisions are easier done if armed by this gift.
What is my best personal example of using intuition in my career? Intuition guided me to make a quantum leap career change from radio broadcasting (my dream career since I was nine years old), to returning to a University to pursue a second degree in teaching.
In closing, Albert Einstein noted: "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift."
Act on your intuition now and reap benefits you have never imagined.
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