I’ve always considered myself to be an intuitive person – in touch with matters of the heart that often defy explanation or articulation. In the past, I didn’t consider that a marketable skill since the business world is so left-brained.
But there’s been a shift. Daniel Pink describes it well in his book, “A Whole New Mind”. He proposes that we’re in a shift from the information age, an age of incredible abundance, to an era when high conceptualization will take on new importance.
Business is executed with excellence and brilliance by individuals who are intuitive. They are no doubt intelligent, capable leaders but I daresay the likes of Richard Branson and Bill Gates are instinctive in much of their decision-making. They are so connected with their passion that they can’t help but flow that way.
Most of us would recognize that in “matters of the heart”, like a romantic relationship, we make decisions based on our deep, intuitive leading. But how much credibility do we give to our heart in matters of business? You can call it your conscience, your spirit, your gut – we’re talking about that place below the surface – deeper than the conscious mind.
John Garfield, author of Desire to Destiny, points out, “Our hearts have led us, and keep us, in exactly the station of life where we are currently. We may think we can change by changing our minds or attitude, but 90% of what we do comes right out of our hearts and is very resistant to change.”
Resistance to Change
In the process of our careers, it is not only possible, but probable that each of us has suffered disappointment, abandonment, regret, rejection and even shame as a result of some of our experiences. Did I mention betrayal? You’ve got to love the descriptive term, “getting thrown under the bus” – what an impact and imprint that leaves. And by the way, I didn’t get this list from a book. Ahem.
Each time we are wounded, if it’s not dealt with, we shut off another portion of our hearts. Which then mutes our ability to access our intuitive nature. A hard heart is certainly not a desirable thing. Sure, business can be executed entirely from your intellect. And it goes down as dry as dust, is difficult, often stressful and certainly not fun.
In a business culture that emphasizes information and speed, if we’re not careful, we can lose that which is most valuable in us and to us – the very thing that brands us. The heart of the matter.
You might need to dig a little deeper than you think but go no further than your own door for the next revelation that brings breakthrough. I’ve always maintained that everything you need for extraordinary success is already in you. Tap the wealth within – it can change everything.