This week, I want to talk about why you often know unconsciously what you have to do in any situation, as your subconscious mind is constantly gathering information around you, processing it and forming conclusions in the background, without you even realising it consciously.

We often ignore our sixth sense and gut instinct, but our subconscious minds frequently provide us with insights and guidance. Our internal compass is always shaped by our past experiences and knowledge and can usually offers us intuitive solutions, if we just listen to it.

Paying attention to this inner voice and trusting instincts usually leads to us making better decisions in life and aligning actions with needs or wants. For example, consider times when you made a decision without overthinking it and it ultimately turned out perfectly. That's your unconscious mind at work.

Cultivating awareness and trust in instincts also sometimes streamlines decision-making and reduces stress, but it’s essential to differentiate between intuition and fear-driven impulses. While instincts guide us positively, fear leada us astray. Reflection and balance between conscious and unconscious thought are crucial for avoiding impulsive, or misguided, actions.

Here are some examples:

- Imagine being introduced to someone new and immediately feeling a sense of trust or unease with them, for no discernible or logical reason. This is because your subconscious mind picks up on subtle cues, which guide your initial impressions and interactions. - Or imagine that, while thinking about a problem, you suddenly find the perfect solution appearing in your mind, even when daydreaming, or night dreaming, when you least expect it. This is because your brain has been synthesising information in the background and now offers you a creative resolution. - Or imagine you decide to take a different route driving home after work and end up, this way, avoiding a traffic jam on your normal route. You are not now a prophet or telepath, but your unconscious mind has alerted you to potential issues, guiding your actions in a good direction.

However, solely relying on your subconscious can also be risky, as it can reinforce biases, or irrational beliefs. Critical thinking and conscious evaluation are also vital in ensuring instincts are accurate and helpful, thereby preventing us from making hasty or incorrect judgments.

So, today, remember that you often know unconsciously what you have to do. Learn to therefore trust your instincts when making decisions, but balance them with reflection, to ensure accuracy and judgment!

This week I want to talk to you about why we should usually resist the temptation to offer someone our advice, unless it is specifically requested from us. Sometimes, our need to say something feels more important to us than another person's need to hear us.

Listening is often more valuable than speaking. Usually, unsolicited advice feels intrusive, even if it is well-intentioned and informed. There are also moments where silence speaks louder than words, even if it feels like our hearts are just screaming out to be heard.

It’s natural to want to help other people, but sharing advice without being asked can create tension. People may also feel judged or misunderstood if they receive unrequested advice. Offering advice without being asked may actually stand in the way of someone's growth and hinder, rather than help them.

For example, people often learn through their experiences, including failures. By holding back your advice, you then let someone then explore their own solutions, which can be more empowering and rewarding for them in the end.

Here are some other examples:

- Imagine a teenager, or even an older friend, navigating a breakup, who is seeking your emotional support, rather than your advice or solutions. It is always about balance and recognising that, in those moments, we may sometimes be speaking more for our own benefit than theirs.

- Or imagine a family member who shares their frustrations with you, who is really craving your empathy, not your thoughts or guidance. Practice listening and understanding, creating a more supportive environment for them to seek your help in the future if needed.

- Or imagine a work colleague who wants to discuss an idea with you, but who is not really seeking to brainstorm it with you, but rather to just hear themselves talk about it and to hear themselves say it out loud, before requesting any input.

However, sometimes, not offering advice to someone, even if they haven’t asked for it, can seem like neglect. People might interpret your silence as indifference, or a lack of support, for them. It’s therefore crucial to always strike a balance between being available for help when requested and respecting someone's autonomy.

So, this week, remember to resist the temptation to offer someone your advice and also that holding back and just listening sometimes may be more beneficial overall, rather than sharing your thoughts. Instead, practice patience and understand their perspective and let them know you're there if they ever need help!

This week, I want to emphasise the importance of having a sense of urgency and being decisive, to break free from the procrastination and paralysis of overthinking. This becomes a habit that leads to greater achievement. It’s why people say if it has to be now, it has to be now!

Acting promptly means seizing opportunities that may not come around again, ensuring we make the most of the present. When we realise something must happen now, it compels us to prioritise and act decisively. We harness the energy of the present, making things happen, rather than waiting.

Embracing urgency and being decisive often also leads us to making better decisions and more progress. Acting immediately also provides momentum. When we address tasks promptly, we set ourselves an internal rhythm that propels us forward. This momentum leads to greater efficiency and the feeling of accomplishing goals more quickly.

Moreover, having a sense of urgency demands more focus. When faced with tasks we know we need to do immediately, we narrow our attention to what's essential. This sharp focus helps clarify our priorities. Often, we delay because we're waiting for the perfect moment. Yet, the perfect moment rarely arrives.

Here are some examples:

- Imagine missing out on a job opportunity in the past, because you delayed submitting your interest or application. Now, when a similar role appears, this time, you act immediately and thereby successfully secure an interview, or position, highlighting the importance of acting as soon as chances arise.

- Imagine you were once too slow to invest in an opportunity that later thrived. When a new opportunity arises now, you invest more promptly, allowing you to reap better rewards in the end from learning to act decisively and quickly.

- Imagine hesitating to tell someone how you feel about something that bothers you, because you are afraid of their possible reaction, which may not be good. But that something still bothers you and festers. By expressing your emotions now, you may open the door to potential growth in your relationship.

However, remember that not every situation requires immediate action. At times, considering options carefully can prevent hasty mistakes. It's essential to always strike a balance between any sense of urgency and mindful, thoughtful decision-making, to ensure you don’t overlook crucial details or act on impulse, without considering potential consequences.

So, this week, please remember the phrase that, if it has to be now, it has to be now. Try to adopt a sense of urgency and make decisions decisively. This will enable you to seize as many opportunities as possible in the present and propel you forward in life!