How To Know If It's Fear Or Your Intuition Saying No

intuition podcast Oct 03, 2024

One of the most common questions I get from my clients is, "How do I know if it's fear or my intuition telling me not to take action?"

Many of us are taught to push through fear—"feel the fear and do it anyway." While this approach might lead to action, it often leaves us feeling drained, misaligned, and burdened with unresolved emotions. Fear, if not acknowledged and released, tends to follow us into whatever action we take, making the journey less enjoyable or even frustrating.

Instead of bulldozing through fear, there’s a more effective approach that brings clarity, ease, and joy to your decisions.

The Problem with Ignoring Fear

When we repress fear and force ourselves to act, we're carrying that emotional weight with us. Even if we achieve our goal, the fear and resistance can leave us feeling out of alignment. A perfect example of this is when I decided to get hair extensions despite feeling anxious about it. I ignored my anxiety and pushed forward, only to regret it and have them removed two days later. This experience taught me that it wasn't the decision to get the extensions that was wrong—it was the fact that I entered the decision from a place of fear and anxiety.

Feel the Fear, Then Act

Rather than repressing fear, what if we acknowledged and released it first? By doing so, we create space for our intuition to guide us. When we’re bogged down by fear, it clouds our ability to hear what our intuition is trying to say. But once we clear the emotional clutter, we’re able to make decisions from a place of peace and alignment.

So, the next time you feel unsure, instead of asking, “Is this fear or intuition?” try releasing the fear first. Then, see what feels clear and aligned afterward. If it’s still a “no,” great—now you can make that decision without fear holding you back. And if it turns out to be a “yes,” you can move forward freely without resistance.

Signs You're Operating from Fear vs. Intuition

Here are some telltale signs to help you recognize when fear is driving your decisions:

Urgency or a sense of hurry: If you feel rushed, it’s likely fear.
Justifying or overthinking: If you’re writing pros and cons lists, trying to convince yourself, or endlessly plotting, it’s probably fear.
Feeling like you “should” do something: Pressure and forcing are key indicators that fear is present.

On the flip side, intuition feels calm, clear, and neutral. It’s more of a gentle nudge or knowing rather than an anxious push. Intuition doesn’t come from your head—it arises from deeper within, like your heart or gut.

Trust the Process

The key takeaway here is that fear doesn’t necessarily mean something is out of alignment. Fear is simply an emotion that needs to be felt and released. Once you clear the fear, your intuition can guide you more clearly.

If you still feel uncertain after releasing your fear, give yourself permission to wait. Oftentimes, when we stop forcing decisions and wait for clarity, the aligned answer naturally reveals itself.

By prioritizing emotional clarity, you can make decisions from a place of peace and alignment, ensuring that whatever action you take is the right one for you. Not because it’s the “right” action but because you feel “right” on the inside.

If this resonates with you or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @madison.arnholt. And if you're interested in one-on-one coaching, click here for more information on how we can work together.

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