How instinct and logic can work together in decision making

Decision making can be both confusing and unsettling. Have we made the right decision? How do we stop going round in circles? Having faced several big decisions recently, I have been thinking a lot about how we can make what are hopefully the best decisions for us.

I have always been a fan of lists of the 'pros' and 'cons' of different options yet recently they don't seem to have been enough. Even when I have detailed lists, I don't appear to be any closer to the answer. They are however a great way to clear the mind and avoid those 3 a.m. times lying awake thinking "oh, I must remember that too." And for that I am thankful.

And where does 'gut instinct' fit into list making? Lists are all about logic and reason. Gut instinct is about feelings. Are they on opposite sides of the fence? Can they work together?

It is said that things come to you when you are ready for them and in this case it would certainly appear to be true. Recently I met a mind-body therapist who took me through an exercise to encourage the logical side of my brain and the instinctive side to communicate more fully.

Initially the logical side of my brain, whom I pictured as a stuffy banker type (black suit, white shirt), wouldn't even speak to the representation of my instinctive side who appeared as a prettily dressed fairy.. Eventually, they came to realise that they both had the best of intentions and ultimately wanted the same thing for me.

My banker and my fairy helped me to see how I can better use my instinct and logic together to make decisions, however big and small.

Decisions that are made based on logic alone can go horribly wrong if your instinct is ignored. Likewise getting carried away by good feelings may not be the best thing if common sense is ignored. By considering both, we can make what are the best decisions for us at the time.

The communication between my fairy and my banker is so improved that now I see them dancing together happily, respectful of each other and knowing they each have something to contribute.

From now on, every time I ask "Will this decision lead to my happiness?", I will be consulting both my banker and my fairy.

Copyright © 2009 Jo Orgill.