Why Your "Intuition" Isn't Always Right: The Truth About Gut Feelings

Have you ever felt like you just “knew” something in your heart but later found out you were wrong?

Maybe you quickly decided you didn’t like someone at first sight, trusted a shortcut that ended up costing you time, or avoided a new experience because something just “felt off “only to regret it later.

Welcome to the world of intuition; our gut feelings that help us make quick decisions. But what if your intuition isn’t always right? What if, sometimes, it actually leads you in the wrong direction?

At Anam Therapy, we help people understand their thoughts, feelings, and decisions. Today, let’s explore why intuition is such a powerful force and why it sometimes lets us down.

What Is Intuition?

Intuition is when you “just know” something without using logic or long reasoning. You might call it a “hunch,” “gut feeling,” or “inner voice.” Many people trust their intuition in everyday life. It helps us make quick choices; what route to take home, whom to trust, whether something feels safe, or even what to eat for lunch.

Intuition can feel magical. Sometimes it helps you avoid danger or sense when a friend needs support. But here’s the truth: Intuition is not magic. It is your brain’s fast way of using past memories, feelings, and patterns.

Why Isn’t Intuition Always Right?

Our brains love shortcuts!

Instead of slowly thinking through every choice, our minds use past experiences, quick judgments, and even old fears to guide us. These shortcuts are called “cognitive biases,” and while they help us make quick choices, they can also trick us.

Here are some reasons your intuition might lead you astray:

1. Bias from Past Experience: If you’ve had one bad experience (for example, a dog growled at you as a child), you might always feel nervous around dogs even if most are friendly. Your intuition is protecting you, but it might be making the world seem scarier than it is.

2. Stereotypes & Snap Judgments

Sometimes our brains make quick decisions based on how people look, dress, or talk. You might meet someone new and “just feel” that you can’t trust them. Later, you may realize your intuition was based on stereotypes, not truth.

3. Fear of the Unknown

New situations like starting a new job or trying a different hobby can feel wrong inside, simply because they’re unfamiliar. In these moments, your intuition might be telling you to “stay away,” even when something good is waiting on the other side.

4. Overconfidence in Gut Feelings

Sometimes, we trust our gut too much and ignore other important signs. You might invest money, pick a new partner, or make a career change based on a strong feeling. If things don’t go well, it can feel confusing and disappointing.

The Science Behind Gut Feelings

Researchers say most “gut feelings” come from two places:

Your subconscious brain: It remembers patterns, smells, faces, situations, and past events even things you don’t clearly remember.

Your body: Sometimes, your gut literally reacts to things like stress, excitement, hunger, or fear.

When you get a “bad feeling,” your heart might race or your stomach might hurt. Sometimes it’s because of a real threat, but often it’s just your mind trying to keep you safe, sometimes too safe.

When Should You Trust Your Intuition?

Intuition isn’t always wrong. In fact, it’s very helpful in these moments:

·       Dangerous or Emergency Situations: If you suddenly feel unsafe, it’s usually smart to listen to that feeling and move away.

·       Expert Practice: If you’ve done something many times (like a doctor, artist, or athlete), your gut often makes smart choices because of deep practice and memory.

·       Everyday Choices: Things like picking out clothes, choosing a meal, or making basic plans, we don’t need long reasoning every time.

When Should You Question Your Intuition?

There are times your gut might make things worse, not better. Ask yourself:

·       Am I making a quick choice about something important? (Like a job, relationship, or investment: slow down and involve logic too.)

·       Does my feeling come from fear or bad past memories? (Is my gut protecting me, or holding me back from something good?)

·       Am I judging someone or something too quickly? (Could bias or stereotypes be at play?)

·       Have I felt this before and regretted not checking the facts first? (Remember lessons from past mistakes.)

How to Balance Gut Feelings and Logic

Here are a few easy ways to make better decisions:

1. Pause Before You Decide

Give yourself a little time to think. If it’s not an emergency, sleep on it or talk it out with someone you trust.

2. Check the Facts

Get more information. Ask questions. Write down what you know and what you just feel.

3. Notice Your Emotions

Is your body tight, heart racing, or stomach uncomfortable? This could be anxiety, not clarity.

4. Imagine the Opposite

Ask yourself, “What if my feeling is wrong? What would I think then?”

5. Get a Second Opinion

Talk to friends, family, or even a counsellor - sometimes other people see what we miss.

Why Understanding Intuition Matters for Mental Wellness

At Anam Therapy, we see many people who feel stuck because their gut feelings are in conflict with what they want. For example: Someone who fears new friendships because of old betrayals. A person who avoids taking healthy risks at work or in love because failure still feels scary. Or someone who trusts too quickly, then feels hurt when things go wrong.

Recognizing when intuition is helping, and when it’s tricking us, can boost our mental wellness.

It helps us grow, try new things, and break old patterns that don’t serve us anymore.

Your Turn: Trust Yourself, But Also Ask “Why?”

Intuition is like a helpful friend, but even good friends sometimes make mistakes. If you always trust your gut, you might miss out on amazing experiences or make choices that don’t serve you. If you never listen to your feelings, you could feel lost or disconnected.

“The real power comes from knowing when to trust yourself and when to look deeper.”

If you ever feel confused by your gut feelings, or if they hold you back from what you want, it’s okay to ask for help.

I, Suma Stephen, as a Mental Wellness & Lifestyle Coach, guide people in exploring their inner world, understanding what’s really true for them, and making choices that lead to happier and healthier lives. You can start today by asking, “Is this feeling from my heart, or just an old story?”

Reach out to me for a free clarity session, and let’s walk this journey together.

Did this article help you? Follow up for more easy tips on emotions, decision-making, and mental health. Have a story about intuition; good or bad? Share it in the comments!