Intuition is the ability to know or understand without conscious thought, observation or reason. It is associated with the right-brain functions of the mind, although it is commonly referred to as gut feeling. Intuition provides us with the ability to develop valid solutions to problems or make appropriate decisions beyond conscious understanding.
Intuition is a sensing function where we experience a flash of sudden insight. For example:
- The hunch that you should investigate a new idea or opportunity
- The feeling that you need to look over previous work or information
- The sensing that you will meet someone you know at an upcoming event1 or function
The intuitive process can unexpectedly lead you to the right solution, a valid decision, a new discovery, a creative experience, or a new opportunity. Studies have shown that many senior executives have relied on intuition or “gut feeling” to make the right decision when their businesses have come to a defining moment in time. However, we generally do not want to admit that we use intuition to make some of our decisions and choices in life.
Philip Goldberg in his book “The Intuitive Edge” describes six types of intuition:
- Discovery
- Creativity
- Evaluation
- Operation
- Prediction
- Illumination
Intuition is central to many scientific discoveries and creative inspirations. Intuition can also be a spontaneous experience where a solution to a problem emerges in our minds without prior analysis or incubation.
It is difficult to develop our intuitive abilities, however, we can learn to become more aware of our intuition. For example, we can become more receptive to our feelings and thoughts, believe in our own abilities, and internally ”listen” to subconscious messages.
To strengthen our intuition so that it becomes a powerful ally in our lives, we can implement the following simple steps:
- Prepare by sourcing as much information as possible around the issue or problem you are trying to address.
- Incubate the information in your mind to allow your thoughts to create new connections – allow the creative process to occur.
- Trust your mind that it will come up with a solution or new discovery.
- Pursue unrelated activities or try to relax your mind, avoiding tension.
- Recognize intuition and the internal messages you are receiving.
- Act on the intuitive ideas immediately when you feel complete certainty.
Dr John Kapeleris
This is a great read and important often overlooked issue. Intuition is extremely powerful. We can train our Intuition in a certain way. Yet I do not support that intuition can be discerned by types, as Intuition is always whole and complete. Quantum would say it is always there yet we do not see/realize it. So, let us go for it.
Hi Frank, Thank you for your reply. I agree with your comments.
The types of intuition described by Goldberg are more functions or applications of intuition. Although the categories overlap, each describes how intuition can be applied. Following is a summary of each category:
1. Discovery intuition reveals something that already exists but has not yet been consciously recognised. It enables a person to detect a hidden fact, relationship, pattern, explanation or problem.
2. Creativity intuition generates something new rather than merely uncovering what is already present. It can produce an original idea, design, strategy, solution, narrative or combination of previously unrelated concepts.
3. Evaluation intuition helps determine the quality, suitability or significance of an option. It is the intuitive capacity to sense whether something is credible, valuable, aligned, dangerous or likely to work.
4. Operation intuition concerns knowing what to do and often how or when to do it, while an activity is underway. It is practical, action-oriented and closely associated with expertise.
5. Prediction intuition is an impression about what is likely to happen in the future. It may involve anticipating an outcome, recognising the direction of events or sensing consequences before they become obvious.
6. Illumination intuition is the broadest and most transformative category. It involves insight into meaning, identity, purpose, values or the nature of reality. Rather than solving a discrete practical problem, it may alter how a person understands themselves, their relationships or their place in the world.
I am sure we can find additional categories where intuition ca be applied.