5 Practical Habits to Sharpen Intuition

In today's rapidly changing business environment, intuition is often perceived as a vague and unreliable phenomenon. However, leaders who make the right and timely decisions know that intuition is not magic, but a developing skill. It is formed through accumulated experience, recognizing subconscious patterns, and the ability to distinguish significant signals from the secondary ones. Therefore, it can be sharpened through consistent exercises and proper habits.

1. Notice the patterns
Intuition is fed by our mind's ability to recognize recurring images. Those who develop intuition do not settle for mere memory. They deliberately pay attention to recurring situations in the team, the market, or negotiations. Making brief notes about the patterns observed will help to orient more quickly and understand hidden signals.

2. Allocate time for self-reflection
Constant busyness disrupts intuition. When the mind is overloaded, it usually opts for the quickest response. Therefore, it is necessary to allocate some space and time for self-reflection through walking, taking notes, or simply stepping away from work. During this time, the subconscious continues to work and forms deep insights.

3. Trust your experience
Intuition accumulates based on past experiences. The more diverse situations you go through—from new initiatives to crisis situations—the stronger your internal orientation ability becomes. For this reason, you should not shy away from new experiences, even if they are outside your comfort zone.

4. Ask yourself questions
Developed intuition does not mean immediately trusting the first feeling. On the contrary, it implies taking a brief pause and asking, "What brought me to this thought?" This self-reflection allows you to distinguish real patterns from randomness.

5. Train your attention
Intuition sharpens with focused attention. Habits such as mindful listening or a few minutes of quiet concentration help notice the details. And when you can perceive subtle signals, your mind creates connections faster, and intuition becomes a reliable tool.

Conclusion
Intuition is not an innate trait; it can be developed. It combines experience, reflection, and conscious attention. If you sharpen intuition as a skill, it will become your most valuable companion in making the right decisions in complex and uncertain situations.

*according to HBR article

*the article also used AI