Trust Your Instincts, Then Question Them

 Humanity once lived as hunter-gatherers, constantly surrounded by threats of predators, starvation, or freezing cold. In such a world, the inability to act on instincts often meant death. This environment naturally honed our ability to detect subtle signs of danger or opportunity—a skill deeply embedded in our instincts.

However, in today’s peaceful society, particularly in a country like Japan, the need to rely on such instincts has significantly diminished. While this is undoubtedly a positive development, as it eliminates life-threatening dangers, it has also dulled our inherent ability to notice discrepancies, sense danger, and recognize opportunities.

This phenomenon isn't limited to matters of life and death. Whether it’s a project, a business decision, or even meeting new people, we possess a unique capability to sense both risks and possibilities—something no AI, not even ChatGPT, can fully replicate. The challenge lies in keeping this ability sharp. It’s a skill that can only develop through consistent use, and for that, we must start by trusting our instincts and acting on them.

That said, intuition isn't always right. I’ve had my fair share of moments where my gut feeling led me astray. That’s why I believe it’s equally essential to question your intuition with logic: “Is my instinct truly accurate?” Doubting yourself doesn’t mean you lack trust in your abilities—it’s about refining your decisions.



This creates a balanced approach: trust your instincts first. That’s step one. Then, follow up with questions like, “Is this really the best course of action? Am I being selfish? Am I avoiding a challenge by taking the easy way out?” By analyzing your decision logically, you can ensure that your instincts aren't leading you astray.

For instance, I often write pros and cons down on paper. If my instincts and logic align, I dive in wholeheartedly. If they conflict, I usually lean toward logic. 

While I don’t claim to have all the answers, I encourage everyone to sharpen their instincts—an ability machines can never fully replicate. It’s a skill that thrives with practice. Trust your gut, and use it as a guide toward meaningful action.

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