Intuition can be difficult to define and even more difficult to use. I’ve remember a time in life when I felt out of touch with my intuition; however, with some careful, yet purposeful attention, I strategically and quite mysteriously  connected with it on a stronger level than before.

Many of us may not have a strong intuition, and even fewer may have an intuition that routinely leads them in the right direction. You’ve probably experienced the power of intuition, both in your personal life and in your career. Have you ever had a moment when you just know something is the right thing to do, even if logic tells you that another choice would be better? You’ve probably seen intuition succeed where logic sometimes fails. So should intuition have a role in your life? Is it reliable enough to be a part of your decision-making process? And if it is, how can you hone it to be more effective? These are the questions I asked myself when learning to become more and more trusting of my own intuition.

What Is Intuition?

While intuition doesn’t necessarily stand diametrically opposed to reason, it is, in some ways, disparate. Intuition relies on instinct. It is a gut feeling, the one that pulls you towards what you feel is the best option, rather than what you might know is the right option. We all know someone with impeccable instincts, who seems to be able to make excellent split-second decisions, without a pro/con list or, seemingly, any serious consideration. In short, it is relying on the confluence of your intelligence, your risk evaluation ability, and your body and mind’s instincts to make great decisions, as this Forbes article dictates. Learning to use it in both your personal and your professional life can mean snappier, more efficacious decisions that make you into a more efficient, effective person and intuitive leader.

Should You Use Your Intuition?

According to Psychology Today, our brains have two “operating systems.” These are, essentially, the instinctual and the analytical. The instinctual side of the brain is sometimes called the “reptilian response,” and is often associated just with the live-saving and life-sustaining tasks that every person does. This operating system often just lurks in the subconscious mind, controlling the breathing, elevating our stress levels when danger is near, and making us feel hungry when the body needs more fuel.

But our instincts aren’t just leftovers from our prehistoric ancestors. They’re how you can tell that someone is following you and not just walking behind you and how you know that a person who seems perfectly nice is quite the opposite. Because our intuition is so often related to our “feelings,” those who believe that business is purely an analytical pursuit look down on those who operate by instinct. But it is those who operate using their instincts many time that can tell when an investment is about to turn south or that a business partner just isn’t the right person for you. The reptilian mind senses those things and uses them to steer you in a better direction, but only if you’re paying attention.

How Can You Get in Touch with Your Intuition?

In this Huffington Post article, Simone Wright says that our understanding of our own intuitions is deeply flawed, but that learning to hone your instincts and use them is business is more important now than ever. In the ever-changing, constantly-evolving landscape of our economy, there is perhaps no better advice. Here are some tips to help you get in touch with your intuition that have served me well.

•  Pay attention to what sticks in your head. If an idea or thought seems to be following you around, it’s probably because your intuition is trying to tell you something. If you have been thinking about breaking off a business partnership, friendship, or relationship, and cannot banish the thought from your head, it might be time to give that thought some attention and consider why your brain is so stuck on that idea.

• Commit to your instincts. If you are wishy-washy about following your instincts, your instincts will be wishy-washy. If, on the other hand, you commit to listening to your intuition, you will begin to learn how it speaks to you and how you can use it in your decision-making process. You may not totally lose your intuition if you ignore it, but you won’t be as good as utilizing it.

• Throw out the rule book. The rules don’t apply to instincts. Everyone’s work differently and penning yourself in by trying to both listen to what your intuition tells you to do and what traditional wisdom tells you to do will pull you in two different directions. Especially if you are trying to do something new or innovative, you may want to consider ignoring traditional wisdom for an instant and whatever “rules” seem to be standing in your way to see what comes up.

• Trust your intuition. Your intuition is not just your “feelings.” It is a very real and scientifically-proven response to external and internal stimuli. It is your body and your mind reacting to information and giving you feedback about what you should do. Trust it. Do not discount it and it’ll be there for you when you need it.