One of the most common questions I hear from clients is: “How do I know if it’s my intuition or just fear speaking?” It’s a powerful question – because both can feel strong in the body and influence how we make decisions.
The truth is, fear and intuition speak very differently once you know how to recognise them. Understanding the difference is the key to making aligned, confident choices in both business and life.
Fear is part of our survival system. It’s wired to protect us, but it often overreacts, creating limiting beliefs and holding us back from growth. The voice of fear is usually:
Urgent and constrictive – it pushes for quick reactions, and feels bad.
Full of “what ifs” – focused on worst-case scenarios.
Tight in the body – tension in the chest, shoulders, or stomach.
Driven by past pain – repeating old patterns or memories.
Fear has its place – it can keep us safe – but if left unchecked, it can stop us from stepping into opportunities we’re ready for.
Intuition feels different. It doesn’t shout; it whispers with clarity and calm. It often arrives quickly but feels grounded, steady, and true. Signs you’re hearing intuition include:
Calm clarity – even if it asks you to be brave, it feels steady.
Expansive sensations – a lightness in the body or a deep knowing.
Aligned with values – it points you toward authenticity and growth.
Future-focused – it helps you move forward rather than staying stuck in the past.
Check your body – Is it tense and urgent (fear) or calm and grounded (intuition)?
Notice the tone – Is it shouting with “shoulds” or gently guiding you?
Ask: does this align with who I want to become? – Intuition supports your growth, while fear clings to the familiar.
Pause before reacting – Giving yourself a moment of stillness often reveals whether it’s fear or intuition speaking.
Like any muscle, intuition grows with practice. The more you notice its signals and act on them, the stronger your confidence becomes. Journaling, mindfulness, and working with a coach can all help you separate fear’s noise from intuition’s truth.
Fear will always be part of the human experience – but it doesn’t have to run your life. By learning to recognise the steady voice of intuition, you gain a powerful compass for making choices that align with your values, your goals, and your true self.
Your intuition already knows the way. The more you practice listening, the easier it becomes to trust.
Want to learn how to strengthen your intuition and quiet fear? Book a Pause, Reflect, Realign coaching taster session and experience Intuitive Psychology Coaching for yourself.