Intuition is a concept that is not typically included in business books. I think this is a mistake. When you are thinking about starting a business, or you've started one but things have stalled or you're not sure what to do next to grow, stop and listen — to yourself.

Many of us have experienced that “moment of truth” and “knowing” — that intuitive sense that tells us that we are or are not on track; a feeling that we should be doing something different; or a sense that something is not quite right. But, in order to hear these moments, a listener must be present. And, when we do hear, we often crush those moments. Why do we do that? Why is it that so often when we have those moments of clarity, we tell ourselves, “That's ridiculous, I could never do that” or “That's not practical or realistic” or “I don't have the time or money to make that happen” or “That's something I may do ‘someday,' but not now.”

What is revealed when you ask yourself the following questions? Are you doing the things that make you happy now? Are you being yourself, or are you acting? The question that should arise next is: do you want to feel the same way three years from now?

By understanding and harnessing the power of our intuition, we can finally embrace what we know to be true and overcome the negative voices or “reasons” we automatically repeat in our heads that paralyze us.

The questions below are intended to open up your thinking. Don't edit yourself as you write down your thoughts. Just keep writing. If you can't think of anything, write, “I can't think of anything to say.” List the mundane, if necessary, just to break through any challenges.

What is your intuition telling you? Here are some examples: A dance instructor “knows” that going to culinary school is the right thing to do. A stay-at-home-mom “knows” that her friends always buy what she suggests — she loves to source stylish, inexpensive clothing and would like to start a business as a personal shopper. A school teacher has come up with a hot new gizmo to solve a problem in the pet market; he “knows” that he needs to unleash his creativity.

Without consideration of anyone else in your life, answer the following questions on a piece of paper.

When are you the happiest and worry-free?
What do you want to be acknowledged or known for?
What moves and inspires you? That is, what gives you energy even when you're tired?
What are you grateful for?
What would you secretly love to do? List more than one thing if you wish.
What do you “know” is true for you?

“Trust in yourself. Your perceptions are often far more accurate than you are willing to believe.” — Claudia Black

After you answer the questions above, don't be surprised if your answers are simple, clear and obvious (e.g., “I am happiest when I am writing. I have always wanted to write a book. Answer: Write a book!)

However, sometimes, we've buried our feelings for so long that it's difficult to immediately identify or recognize them. More quiet contemplation may be required for your intuition to prevail and for you to get to what you “know.” What's essential is that you wrestle with yourself. I've done this exercise many times. Sometimes I've written down what I think is holding me back only to realize what the “real” barrier is after more reflection. The hardest thing to come to terms with is the realization that you yourself may be the only barrier that is in your way. It's so much easier to blame others or current circumstances.

I hope this post inspires you to take a moment for yourself — to “listen” to what is true for you.