People who trust their intuition more than other people’s advice often follow these 7 unspoken rules
Have you ever gotten that familiar tug in your gut telling you to do something completely different from what everyone else was urging you to do?
I have—many times.
Growing up in Alaska, I’d stand outside with my father’s hand-me-down telescope, scanning the night sky. Those swirling stars made me feel connected to something bigger than logic and advice.
Even as a kid, I felt there was an invisible thread guiding me, well before I could articulate what that meant. At the time, I didn’t realize I was simply practicing the art of trusting my intuition.
Over the years, I’ve learned that when you place more weight on your gut feeling than on the advice of others, you tend to move through life by a set of unspoken rules that not everyone understands.
It’s not about being aloof or dismissing expertise; it’s about knowing, in some inexplicable way, what’s right for you.
Let’s talk about seven of those unofficial guidelines that appear to shape the lives of those who trust themselves first.
1. They honor quiet reflection
One thing I’ve consistently noticed is that people guided by intuition carve out time for stillness. Whether it’s sipping coffee in the morning without a blaring TV or taking a solo walk in the park, they cherish quiet moments where they can actually hear their own thoughts.
I used to struggle with quiet time. I thought the more information I shoved into my brain—through podcasts, well-meaning friends, or a barrage of articles—the better prepared I’d be. But I realized that external input can drown out the subtle whispers of my inner voice.
These days, I find a silent space daily, even if it’s just for ten minutes. I let my mind drift, watch the sunlight on my bookshelf, or pet my cat, Thistle, who seems far more in tune with herself than I’ll ever be (cats, right?). That’s when my intuition gets the spotlight.
And guess what? It often has a lot to say.
2. They trust the bigger picture over immediate fears
Most of the time, external advice focuses on avoiding discomfort. Friends might say, “Don’t risk it,” or “Are you sure that’s practical?”
But those who live by intuition place more faith in the bigger picture. This doesn’t mean they never feel afraid; they simply refuse to let fear make their decisions.
I remember wanting to shift my career path from a standard nine-to-five job to a life centered on writing, reading, and exploring creative ideas. Everyone around me advised me to stay put—great benefits, steady income, the usual.
But I kept getting this nudge that said, “Leap now or regret it later.” So, I trusted that tug, left my job, and opened myself to uncertainty.
Fear was definitely there. Yet, I felt this unmistakable sense of calm once I followed my gut. And guess what? It worked out better than I could’ve planned.
If your gut says you’re meant for something else, there’s probably a bigger reason for that feeling than any immediate risk you’re seeing in the moment.
3. They tune into nonverbal signals
We’re often taught to rely on words and logic, but sometimes, the real story lies beneath the surface. Intuitive folks pay attention to body language, mood shifts, and the energy in a room.
They sense when someone’s words don’t match their tone. They notice the subtle discomfort in their own chest when something’s not right.
Psychologists refer to this as “somatic awareness,” which is basically paying attention to your body’s cues. Our bodies pick up on tiny signals that our conscious brains might miss.
For instance, you might feel tension in your shoulders when you’re in a situation that goes against your values. Or maybe your stomach churns when you’re talking to someone who’s not being entirely honest.
It’s not magic; it’s simply giving your body a say. Next time you’re in conversation with someone, see if you can detect a subtle shift in how you feel physically. Those small signals are often more reliable than we realize.
4. They question conventional advice (but keep an open mind)
Trusting your intuition doesn’t mean ignoring all outside guidance. It’s about weighing it, dissecting it, and then deciding if it aligns with your inner sense of rightness. People who live by gut instinct don’t assume popular opinion is always correct.
I remember reading about “confirmation bias” in psychology—our tendency to search for information that confirms our existing beliefs. It’s easy to seek out opinions that echo our fears or feed our desires.
But intuitive individuals know this pitfall and intentionally seek differing perspectives, only to test them against their inner voice.
A simple example: I was once torn between moving to a new city or staying put. People I trusted suggested I was running away from something, urging me to stay. But that internal compass nudged me to go.
I asked myself, “Am I just looking for reasons to justify my escape?” Turned out, the move felt right because I truly needed a fresh start, not because I was ignoring logic. Listening to external advice is great—but trusting yourself to sift through it matters more.
5. They embrace solitude without feeling lonely
There’s a myth that solitude is lonely or sad. But in my experience, people who trust themselves don’t equate being alone with being miserable.
Instead, solitude becomes a sacred space to recharge, reflect, and dream. Plus, it’s pretty hard to hear your own intuition when you’re perpetually surrounded by noise.
I grew up with a mother who was a forest ranger. She was often off hiking trails alone, which shaped my idea of what solitude could be.
Sure, she appreciated help from her team, but she also valued those solo treks through the woods. She’d come back energized, with answers to questions she didn’t even know she had. I like to think some of that rubbed off on me.
Every so often, friends will ask, “Aren’t you bored living alone?” The truth is, my home is peaceful and full of books, and I’ve learned to appreciate my own company.
There’s nothing quite like a quiet afternoon with a cat napping on your lap and your mind free to wander. You might be alone, but it’s anything but lonely.
6. They trust feelings as much as facts
I’m not saying that facts are useless. Hard data can save us from major mistakes and provide clarity.
But if you’ve ever felt that tingle along your spine telling you something is off—or on—then you know facts aren’t always enough. Sometimes, you sense a path forward that logic hasn’t caught up with yet.
One of my favorite lines about this comes from Steve Jobs, who famously said, “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”
That quote always lands for me because it captures a core truth: data can be weighed, spreadsheets can be analyzed, but our hearts have an uncanny knack for pinpointing the best path.
For instance, my father, a history professor, once taught me how to methodically evaluate decisions by studying patterns from the past. I love that approach, and it’s often useful.
But at the end of the day, if it doesn’t feel right in my gut, I don’t do it. Yes, logic shapes the mind, but intuition speaks to the soul.
7. They accept that not everyone will approve
Probably the hardest part about following your inner compass is realizing you can’t please everyone.
Some people might roll their eyes at you, thinking you’re ignoring reality or being stubborn. Others might try to talk you out of your decisions. That’s okay.
I used to crave approval—even from acquaintances. I’d worry, “What if they think I’m being foolish?” or “What if they’re right?”
Over time, I discovered that trying to fit other people’s expectations can lead you away from your own authenticity. The truth is, no one knows you like you know yourself.
Writer and civil rights activist Audre Lorde once said, “If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive.”
That quote resonates for obvious reasons. We can either define our path by trusting our intuition or end up living someone else’s vision. I know which route I’d rather take.
Final words
Trusting your own instincts means living by an internal set of laws that outsiders might not get. But here’s the thing: only you can feel the sensations that come with your every choice.
Whether it’s a twinge of guilt, a spark of excitement, or a deep sense of calm—you’re the one experiencing it.
I’m not dismissing the value of solid advice from people who genuinely care. I’m simply saying that your intuition is an intricate part of your decision-making arsenal. Sometimes it sees what your eyes can’t.
If you ever catch yourself torn between what your gut is telling you and what everyone else is advising, remember that no one has to live with your decisions quite like you do.
By honoring your quiet reflection, paying attention to nonverbal signals, and cultivating trust in your own feelings, you’ll discover a sense of alignment that external opinions can’t always provide.
And if that means standing alone sometimes? So be it. Because the moment you start living in tune with your intuition, you’ll be amazed at how everything else starts falling into place.
