Both instinct and intuition are powerful forms of guidance that often arise without conscious thought, yet they operate on fundamentally different levels of our being. To truly understand their distinction is to appreciate the roles they play in our lives.
Instinct, as many of us know, is rooted in survival. It’s hardwired into our biology, the legacy of countless generations who relied on it to stay alive. When faced with danger, our instinct kicks in, triggering the fight-or-flight response. It’s a reactive, automatic mechanism designed to protect us from physical harm. Whether we’re dodging a car in traffic or feeling uneasy around a certain person, instinct acts swiftly and universally. Its purpose is clear: survival.
Intuition, however, operates on a more subtle, spiritual plane. Unlike instinct, which is about immediate protection, intuition guides us toward alignment with our deeper purpose or soul’s calling. It’s that inner voice or gut feeling that whispers when something feels “right” or “off,” even without concrete evidence. Intuition draws from a reservoir of subconscious knowledge, experience, and a deeper sense of connection to our true path. While instinct reacts, intuition gently steers. It’s often the feeling that urges us to take a certain job, leave a relationship, or pursue a creative passion—even when it defies logic.
Many spiritual traditions hold that intuition is a form of guidance from the higher self or the soul. It helps us navigate life’s choices in a way that aligns with our authentic essence. The more we tune in to our intuition, the more we feel in flow with our life’s purpose. While instinct is universal—nearly every human and animal shares the same basic survival reactions—intuition is personal and unique to each individual. It evolves as we grow, offering insights not just about immediate situations, but about our life’s broader journey.
In essence, instinct is about survival, while intuition is about thriving. To live fully, we must learn to trust both—allowing instinct to protect us in the moment and intuition to guide us toward our soul’s true path.
Many business owners, small and large, provide performance incentives for their staff, eg annual bonuses, gift vouchers, time in lieu, equity schemes and the like.
But what exactly are you rewarding?
Incentive programs don’t typically reward performance, rather they reward results. Business success demands results. Fair enough, too. But, let’s go back a step.
“Most incentive programs don’t reward performance, they reward results.”
Results are outcomes, eg sales targets, profit, market share, growth, customer satisfaction. They are all business outcomes. In a cause and effect relationship, they are the effect. What then drives results? Performance drives results and is the cause in the relationship. So, what then constitutes performance and how do you measure it?
End Goals v Performance Goals
There are two types of goals. End Goals and Performance Goals.
End Goals are the outcomes or results you achieve from having done something, eg sales, turnover, profit, customer satisfaction. They are measured ex post facto (after the fact) or what are commonly referred to by management consultants as lag indicators.
Performance Goals are the drivers that get you the results, eg sales calls, customer visits, prospects, outbound calls, customer response times. These can be measured in real time and are referred to as lead indicators.
There can be considerable and costly time delays between when a lag indicator is first brought to the attention of a business owner for corrective action. Time means money. Do your performance measures include lead indicators?
Lead indicators are predictive measures of future success. And success is the cumulative effect of doing the little things day-by-day.
“Lead indicators are predictive measures of future success.”
Lead and Lag indicators form an integral part of what Harvard academics, Kaplan and Norton, call a Balanced Scorecard. Many large corporations use Balanced Scorecard measures and increasingly franchisers are too. They are equally applicable to small firms and truly are essential to driving performance to higher levels.
What drives Performance?
If performance drives results then what drives performance? Well, there are two things that drive performance:
1. skills
2. behaviour
What is the difference? A skill is learned knowledge of how to do a task whereas behaviour is a conscious/subconscious response or choice.
Ask yourself; does this person know how to complete the task? Have they ever completed the task beforehand? Have they received skills training? Have they demonstrated competency in the skill? If not, then you may have a skill deficiency that needs addressing through skills training.
On the other hand, if your employee is competent or has the necessary skills but for some reason doesn’t apply them, then you may have a behavioural issue. In which case as the manager/employer it is incumbent upon you to call them on it. Behaviours tend to run in patterns so it is likely that the employee will repeat the behaviour (at work and at home). So, you are really doing them an enormous favour long term.
In essence you bring to their conscious awareness the subconscious (or conscious) choice they have made. It now becomes their conscious choice whether to amend the behaviour or not. Either way hold them responsible for their choice and the resulting consequences.
Try these exercises:
1. Create a Performance based incentive program. Offer staff gift vouchers or lifestyle rewards based on their performance not results. Reward behaviours such as proactivity, attention to detail, customer focus, team work.
2. Ask your staff to benchmark themselves. Empower them to take responsibility for
their own performance. Nurture the talent you have within your reach. If you are self-employed benchmark your sub-contractors/ suppliers.
3. Include a lead indicator in each functional area – Sales & Marketing (customer visits, qualified prospects, customer complaints); Finance (reminder notices, daily cash position); Operations (capacity, occupancy rates); Service Delivery (response times, compliance with packing slips); People (absenteeism, timeliness, overtime).
4. Call an employee/ sub-contractor on a behavioural issue, eg coming late to work, failure to meet a deadline, failure to keep a promise. Give regular and informal praise for good behaviours.
5. Practice asking open questions. What? When? How? Engage your employee’s creative genius. Encourage them to come with solutions and not problems. You’ve got enough on your plate.
Yes, daylight saving time (DST) can affect sleeping patterns for many people. When clocks are moved forward or backward, it can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle based on light exposure.
Here are some ways DST can impact sleep:
Spring Forward (Losing an Hour): When clocks are set forward in spring, people lose an hour of sleep, which can lead to feeling groggy, tired, and less alert in the days following. The sudden shift can make it harder to fall asleep or wake up at the usual time, as the body takes time to adjust to the new light schedule.
Fall Back (Gaining an Hour): In the fall, clocks are set back an hour, giving people an extra hour of sleep. While this may seem like a bonus, it can still disrupt sleep patterns. Some people find they wake up earlier than usual, which can throw off the routine and cause difficulty adjusting.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Since the circadian rhythm is closely tied to natural light, any sudden shift in the time of sunrise and sunset due to DST can cause a temporary misalignment between the internal body clock and the external environment. This disruption can lead to difficulty falling asleep, poorer sleep quality, and daytime fatigue.
Mood and Energy Levels: Sleep disruptions caused by DST can also affect mood, energy, and cognitive performance. The adjustment period can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the individual.
For some people, the effects are mild and temporary, while others may find it more challenging to adapt. Maintaining a consistent bedtime, limiting exposure to screens before bed, and getting plenty of natural light during the day can help ease the transition during DST changes.
Adrenal fatigue is a condition that progresses through distinct phases as the body struggles to cope with chronic stress. The adrenal glands, which produce cortisol and other hormones that manage stress, can become overwhelmed by prolonged physical, mental, or emotional pressure. Understanding the stages of adrenal fatigue can help in recognizing early signs and preventing the condition from worsening.
Stage 1: Alarm Reaction (Fight or Flight)
In the initial phase, often called the Alarm Reaction, the body’s natural stress response is activated. This stage is characterized by the fight or flight reaction, where stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released to help the body deal with the immediate stressor.
Symptoms in this stage may include:
Sudden energy bursts to cope with the stressor. Heightened alertness and focus. Mild anxiety or irritability. Insomnia or difficulty winding down after stress.
This stage can be seen as the body’s attempt to maintain balance during stressful events. If the stress is temporary, the body recovers. However, if stress becomes chronic, the body progresses to the next stage.
Stage 2: Resistance (Chronic Stress)
In the Resistance stage, stress becomes long-term, and the adrenal glands continue to produce cortisol at higher levels to keep up with the demand. However, they are starting to struggle.
Common symptoms in this phase include:
Fatigue, especially in the morning and mid-afternoon. Increased reliance on stimulants like caffeine. Difficulty recovering from physical exertion or illness. Anxiety, mood swings, and mild depression. Digestive issues such as bloating or constipation.
The body begins to lose its ability to function optimally under stress, and the performance of other bodily systems, such as the immune system, starts to decline. Chronic inflammation may develop, and you might feel “wired but tired,” unable to fully relax despite exhaustion.
Stage 3: Adrenal Exhaustion
As the adrenal glands become overworked and can no longer meet the body’s demands, the Adrenal Exhaustion stage sets in. Cortisol production drops significantly, and the body’s stress response starts to fail.
Symptoms of adrenal exhaustion include:
Extreme, ongoing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. Brain fog and difficulty concentrating. Digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Emotional instability, such as crying for no apparent reason. Low blood pressure and frequent dizziness.
At this stage, you may find that simple daily tasks become overwhelming. Many people in adrenal exhaustion also experience significant emotional instability, including feelings of impending doom, panic attacks, and depression that may not respond to conventional treatments
Stage 4: Adrenal Failure (Burnout)
In severe cases, untreated adrenal fatigue can lead to full-blown adrenal burnout, where the body is incapable of producing sufficient cortisol or managing stress effectively. This stage can be life-altering.
Symptoms in this final stage include:
Total inability to cope with stress or perform daily activities. Severe depression and anxiety. Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass. Chronic infections due to a suppressed immune system. Collapse of blood sugar regulation, causing hypoglycemia.
At this point, the body’s homeostasis is significantly disrupted, and without intervention, adrenal burnout can contribute to more serious health issues, including autoimmune disorders and thyroid problems
How to Prevent and Treat Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue can be prevented and treated through lifestyle changes that focus on stress management and hormone regulation.
Some strategies include:
Prioritizing rest and sleep to allow the body to recover. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support adrenal health, like B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin C. Incorporating stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and gentle exercise. Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Recognizing the symptoms of adrenal fatigue early can help prevent progression into more severe stages. If you find yourself resonating with these symptoms, consider adjusting your lifestyle and seeking medical advice to support your adrenal health.
This blog post helps explain the progression of adrenal fatigue and how each stage impacts the body differently, offering your readers valuable insights into managing their stress before it escalates.
About the author
Dennis Roberts is a personal coach, small business mentor and founder of CoachPRO – The Coaching Professionals. His work has won critical acclaim in both the academic and business communities.
Setting and managing personal boundaries is key to maintaining healthy relationships, ensuring emotional well-being, and protecting your time and energy. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you establish and manage boundaries:
1. Identify Your Limits Reflect on what makes you feel uncomfortable or stressed. Pay attention to your emotional reactions in various situations (e.g., feeling overwhelmed, resentful, or drained). These are clues that boundaries might need to be set. Assess different aspects of your life where you might need boundaries: work, relationships, time management, emotional energy, physical space, etc.
2. Clarify Your Values Determine what matters most to you. Your boundaries should align with your values (e.g., respect, honesty, time for self-care). When you know what you prioritize, it becomes easier to say no to things that contradict those values.
3. Communicate Clearly and Assertively Express your boundaries to others calmly, directly, and with confidence. For example: “I need time to recharge after work, so I won’t be available for phone calls in the evening.” Avoid over-explaining or apologizing too much. Be concise but clear about your needs.
4. Practice Saying No Start small if you’re not used to setting boundaries. Get comfortable with saying “no” when something feels overwhelming or goes against your well-being. Use phrases like “I can’t do that right now,” or “That doesn’t work for me.”
5. Be Consistent Once you set a boundary, stick to it. Inconsistent boundaries can confuse others and lead to them being ignored. Consistency reinforces your commitment to your own well-being.
6. Prepare for Pushback Not everyone will accept your boundaries easily, especially if they’ve become accustomed to you not having them. Stay firm and be prepared to handle resistance calmly. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your needs even if others disagree.
7. Monitor and Adjust Regularly assess how well your boundaries are working. Sometimes, boundaries may need to be adjusted depending on new circumstances or if you feel they aren’t strong enough. Be open to evolving your boundaries as your personal and professional life changes.
8. Manage Guilt and Self-Care It’s normal to feel guilty when setting boundaries, especially if you’re used to pleasing others. Remind yourself that boundaries are necessary for your health and well-being. Practice self-care and prioritize your own needs to reinforce the importance of maintaining your boundaries.
By understanding your limits, communicating effectively, and staying consistent, you’ll build stronger, more respectful relationships and protect your mental and emotional energy.
About the author
Dennis Roberts is a personal coach, small business mentor and founder of CoachPRO – The Coaching Professionals. His work has won critical acclaim in both the academic and business communities.
