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Creative problem solving commonly involves making decisions that defy logical analysis. In such situations intuitive judgment, which is a particular kind of intuition, is a valuable resource.
Imagine that you were to flip a coin as if you were going to let the outcome determine an important decision. But instead of focusing on the outcome, notice your reaction in the form of "Great! It's heads!" or "Darn! it's tails!" Such subtle sensations are similar to the subtle and vague reactions involved in intuitive judgment.
Instead of flipping a coin to prompt such reactions, imagine each choice as if you had already made that choice. Then, pay attention to your subtle "gut-level" reactions. Finally, compare your negative or positive reactions with one another to determine which option is least objectionable or most promising. (Negative reactions should typically outweigh positive reactions.)
The reactions involved in intuitive judgments are very similar to feelings (also called emotions) such as anger, fear, and guilt. Therefore, improving your ability to notice and identify feelings helps to distinguish between such feelings and the similar sensations involved in intuitive judgment.
Initially, don't depend on your intuitive judgment to actually make decisions. After following your normal decision-making process and seeing the outcome, determine whether you would have been better off following your intuitive judgment. Only begin to cautiously use your newly developed thinking skill when you have learned which kinds of situations and reactions can be depended on.
Intuitive judgment amounts to accessing portions of your intelligence that you cannot directly access through logical analysis. It is especially useful when creating or evaluating new solutions.
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