Some of the most successful people in the world talk about how following their gut feelings led them to where they are today. So how well do you understand your gut feelings? Here’s six things that will help you on your pathway to success:

1. Our brains are not pure logic. They use a combination of factors to make decisions.

2. Gut instincts are real and are used by successful people all the time. They are the combination of our past experiences and knowledge that are all stored on a subconscious level.

3. There may be a certain level of uncertainty that comes with following one’s gut instincts. Gut instincts are not tangible and they are unique to each of us, so we can’t exactly hold something in our hands like a manual or expect that other people have the same gut instinct as us in a specific situation.

4. Gut instincts can be developed. Becoming knowledgeable in your field and opening yourself up to life experiences helps you to develop these gut feelings.

5. With development comes more certainty. As you strive to become the best version of yourself possible, you will find that you can depend on your gut instincts more readily.

6. Gut instincts may be more accurate than you think. To take advantage of this you need to get clear about your goals, commit to actively learning and developing, and become an active listener.

While there is the potential to misread a gut feeling, experts agree that there are a few that should never be ignored. Always take note of the following feelings:

• that something may be wrong in your body
• that you may be in danger
• that a fellow human being needs help
• that you are most definitely on the right track.

Take time to understand and listen to your gut, and you’ll be amazed at the world that unfolds in front of you!