Trusting Your Inner Compass for Decision-Making
I've been thinking a lot about how we can trust our own inner compass when making decisions. For a long time, I’ve looked to others for advice or tried to follow what’s expected of me. But recently, I’ve realized how important it is to listen to my own instincts and values. When I actually take a moment to pause and tune in to how I’m feeling, it often leads me to make choices that feel truer to who I am.
There are still times when it’s hard to trust myself. External opinions can be loud, and it’s easy to second-guess what I truly want. But I’ve learned that when I make the effort to trust my gut, even if it feels uncertain, I often feel more aligned and at peace with my decisions. It’s not about having the perfect answer, but rather about honoring what feels right in my heart, even if it’s not what others would choose. In the end, embracing my inner compass has helped me make decisions that fit with my values and long-term goals, and I’ve become more confident in myself. It’s been a huge part of my growth, and I’m learning to trust myself more each day.
How do you typically navigate tough decisions? Do you find it easy to trust your inner compass, or do you tend to rely on other factors more?
@Mushroomandswiss I spend weeks calculating 3 x 10^23 what-if’s and then take action reminding myself that the few consequential decisions I’ve made turned out ok.
@PineTreeTree
This made me giggle 🤣
And yes! That's such a good way of putting it - making decisions isn't actually the hard part. It's knowing whether or not those decisions are the best ones to make! How good would it be if we could reliably see the outcome of each possible decision and then just choose based on that. It's the uncertainty that's challenging and the fact that you have to trust yourself and have the confidence to make the right decisions and learn from them if things end up going slightly pear shaped.
@Mushroomandswiss I think it is hard to trust our own inner compass when making decisions. I’ve looked to myself for advice, and have had no one to go to in my life for advice. I do things on my own and I like knowing what is expected of me in my roles in the community. I agree with you how it is important to realize how important it is to listen to myself. I always feel true because I try not to let other people influence me and my decisions. I trust myself, therefore I am usually at peace with myself. My values are usually heard and understood to other people and then I felt valued as well. This helps me with my self esteem, my confidence and how happy I turn out to be. For tough decisions I usually ask other people what they think, and get advice from other people who know me well. I usually trust my inner compass, but I also take in consideration other peoples opinions of what I should do. I’d say it’s a balance of my inner compass and what other people think I should do. I just try to listen to my head and my heart to make the right decision.
@allnaturalSky4753
"I trust myself, therefore I am usually at peace with myself"
wow! I love this way of putting it. Really inspiring and definitely food for thought.
I also like how you say that if others understand your values and decisions then it helps you feel more valid and confident. Social inclusion/ acceptance is so important! And even though it's so important we don't fall to peer pressure and make our own decisions, it's still nice to receive validation for those choices. Especially from people close to us as we usually value their opinions.
Like you say - it's a balance!
@Mushroomandswiss
Your reflections on trusting your inner compass are truly inspiring! It's wonderful to see how you've recognized the importance of listening to your instincts and values. Your journey toward self-trust and making choices that align with who you are is commendable.
The way you've embraced uncertainty while still honoring your feelings shows great strength and growth. Your commitment to staying true to yourself, even amidst external opinions, is a beautiful testament to your personal development. Keep nurturing that trust in yourself; it’s a powerful tool for navigating life’s decisions! 🌟💖
@Mushroomandswiss
I resonate a lot with your experience! I feel that I'm still in that stage of listening to others and following what's expected of me.
I love how you seem to have overcome this and are now more confident in making your own decisions - it definitely inspires me and gives me some hope that I can one day do the same!
I love how you say "It's not about having the perfect answer, but rather about honoring what feels right in my heart". Integrity is so important, and even if you end up making the not so right decisions you definitely learn from it and have 100% comfort that it was your decision completely and you dealt with whatever the consequences were... like it's comforting to know that you were self reliable in this way. If I'm explaining myself well - it's difficult to put into words what I mean :)
For me, I find it easy to trust my inner compass... it's the actual making of decisions that align with my inner compass that I find difficult. I can be too passive and adaptable and so tend to easily go along with what other people want even if I know it's not something I want. I want to work on being a bit tougher in this regard and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable (setting boundaries, disappointing others, standing my ground etc.)
Thank you for your post! It's given me a few things to thing about :)
@Mushroomandswiss
I typically navigate through tough decisions by first considering my core values and allowing those values, as well as my priorities to guide my actions.
