Have you had that experience when something felt right; you knew that you had to do something or felt that you could trust someone but didn’t know why? When you feel strongly about something without a logical reason, that is your intuition or sometimes known as a “hunch” or “gut feel.”

Some believe that you have to be gifted with intuition however studies are showing that intuition is something that can developed. Yet why would you want to develop your intuition? Intuition helps you better understand what is right for yourself as well as being more sensitive to others. When you are better able to understand people, you create bonds, connections and relationships that are based on trust.

So would you like to learn some easy ways to start developing your intuition? Give these options a go and notice what changes you experience.

1. Meditation

Meditation allows you to get in touch with your higher self and find peace. In our busy worlds, our mind is often cluttered with endless thoughts that are often don’t support our success. When your mind and heart are cluttered there is no space or quiet to access your initiate intuition. Meditation practices can include mindfulness whilst doing household chores; a yoga class or taking notice of your breathing. These practices create greater self awareness.

2. Trust your feelings and first impressions.

Our first impressions are often based on intuition. For instance, have you meet someone you didn’t trust but weren’t sure why? This is your intuition communicating with you. Our first impressions often hold true yet we allow our thoughts to interfere and justify why we could be wrong. Trust your intuition.

3. Think positive!

What are you choosing to focus on? Do you see the current economic times as overwhelming, devastating and hopeless or do you choose to view the current events as a great opportunity to create wealth and success? When your mind is full of worries, fears and self doubt, you block your intuition. If you chose to be positive and optimistic, you attract good things into your life and are in a better position to notice opportunities. Think positive and allow your intuition to guide you.

4. Let go.

What does this mean? Sometimes when we try too hard for an answer or solution we block our natural intuition that is here to guide us to the right action. If there is a big decision you have to make, give yourself the gift of some quiet time so that your intuition can serve you. Meditation is the perfect vehicle to let go. When you listen to the voice within you, the answers that you need are available and waiting.

5. Choose to be happy!

Who doesn’t like being around happy people who always see the glass half full or better still full! Being happy and positive removes negative barriers that interfere with your intuition. Happiness attracts happiness, allowing your intuition to guide you in the direction that is right for you. If you choose to tap into your intuition, you are giving yourself the gift of being guided towards happiness and contentment.

Intuition is helpful, because sometimes it leads you to something that cannot be achieved otherwise. Many times I have tried so hard to find a solution or opportunity without success. However, now I know that giving myself the space and time in meditation, the answers come to be without work. My decisions are easier and I have greater confidence knowing that I am doing what is true and right for me. Develop intuition now and reap benefits you have never imagined.

I am going to ask you to do something that you may not consciously think about normally. What are the thoughts that fill your head? Would you label them as positive or negative? Whatever your answer, you have the power to create thoughts that are helpful and supportive so that you can live with optimism and create what you truly desire.

Our thoughts create our reality. They determine your feelings, attitude, mindset, outcomes and outlook on life. Not only does your attitude determine what you can and can’t create in your life, your attitude also affects anyone that you come into contact with.

Think about people you know who no matter what is happening, life is tough, hard, sad or hopeless. How do you feel when you are around these people? Now think of someone whom is optimistic, positive and sees a world of opportunities. How do you feel and what do you believe is possible when speaking to someone positive? Ultimately, it is you that determines whether you will have a positive or negative attitude.

Positive thoughts are invigorating and allow you to focus on what is possible in life. Not only do positive thoughts create positive feelings, actions and outcomes, your presence energises people you come into contact with. Conversely, negative thoughts create narrow thinking and exclude the endless opportunities that are available to you. Negative attitudes are draining for the people in your life and people are less likely to want to spend time with you.

A positive attitude attracts like minded positive people, creating greater energy and opportunities whereas a negative attitude repels positive people and attracts people that view life as negative. I know who I would rather be spending my time with!

Remember, what we focus on in life is what we get. What do you choose focus on? How do you view the world? Are you choosing to create a negative viewpoint of the world or one where you focus on positive things with gratitude?

Positive psychology studies shows that a positive attitude promotes better health; better relationships and greater success. Furthermore, a positive attitude is an effective tool for managing day to day challenges and stress.

A healthy self-image creates positive thinking. When you love the authentic you, life is more satisfying; you are more confident and self-assured. Consequently, others around you feel the same way. On the other hand, a negative attitude not only makes you feel bad about yourself but you make others feel the same way.

If you want a healthier outlook in life, work on having a positive attitude. So, what can you do? Well, for starters, you could see a funny movie; play with children, tell jokes, spend time with friends or do something that truly makes your heart sing. Doing what we love and enjoy in life promotes a positive experience of life.

You do not have much to lose by adopting a healthy, positive attitude. Interestingly, studies show that a positive attitude can retard aging, makes you healthier, helps you develop a better stress coping mechanism, and has a very positive effect on all the people you meet every day. So, what’s not to like about a positive attitude? Adopt one today.