When faced with a significant decision, we are often advised to follow our hearts, do a gut-check, or listen to our intuition. But how are you supposed to make a decision if you have trouble connecting to your intuition?

First, let me tell you that everyone is intuitive. But don’t get worried! Very simply, we all continuously access sources of unconscious information, but may not recognize it as such. I know because I’m one of those “non-intuitive” people too. Despite all the touchy-feely self help content I write, I have to work really hard to listen to my inner knowing. It takes practice to use your intuition.

My first exposure to the concept of allowing intuition to guide decisions came when I was in my 20’s. As a young professional I prided myself on my analytical decisions, and agonized over most of them. One day over lunch, as I dwelled on my latest life dilemma, my mentor — a very smart, successful, and chic woman about 15 years my elder – let me into a little secret. “It’s an easy decision,” she said. “Which choice makes you want to smile?” I was stunned! How could it be reduced to that?

But it really is that easy.

Now, 20 years later, I still cherish and use that advice. When faced with a decision, stop and consider your options. Notice the way each option makes you feel. Do you feel a smile want to creep into your face? Do you feel light and glad? Or does the decision give you a heavy, frowning sensation?

Follow the smile!

Practice this with small decisions in your daily life. Thai food or Italian? Wear blue or green? Feel it and follow your smile.

This focus will help you become more conscious of intuition in your life, because whether you recognize it or not it’s there. You might as well harness it! For a fascinating look at the role our unconscious plays in those split-second judgments we make every day, check out Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking. You will come to appreciate how very intuitive you really are!