Keeping In Touch With Your Intuition: Author Rachael Schmidt On How To Get In Touch With Your Intuition And When To Trust Your Intuition When Making Decisions
Breathe. In Common Sixth Sense, I speak often about the breath as one of your greatest tools for connection. You take about 20,000 breaths a day. How many are you truly aware of? Begin by noticing a few. Each conscious breath is a step back home to yourself.
Intuition is defined as the ability to understand something immediately without the need for conscious reasoning. Where does intuition come from? Can it be trusted? How can someone tune in to their intuition? To address these questions, we are talking to business leaders, coaches, mental health experts, authors, and anyone who is an authority on “How to Get In Touch With Your Intuition And When To Trust Your Intuition When Making Decisions.” As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Rachael Schmidt.
Rachael Schmidt, author of Common Sixth Sence, is a mindfulness-based self-development coach, mentor, and educator with more than twenty years of experience helping people awaken to their fullest potential. She has worked with teenagers, Fortune 500 leaders, and everyone in between, guiding them to live more authentic and connected lives. Schmidt teaches mindfulness integration at the graduate level and is the founder of the consultancy, Common Sixth. You can learn more at www.commonsixth.com.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
I grew up in Boulder County, Colorado, where childhood was all about movement, freedom, and extended family. It was the 70s and early 80s, a time of unsupervised adventure, endless bike rides, and days that stretched long under the open sky. Summers meant swim team mornings, the smell of chlorine on my skin, wind whistling through my hair, and the shimmer of tassels streaming from my handlebars.
Family life was rooted at my grandparents’ house, filled with the aromas of tradition. My Italian great-grandmother’s gnocchi simmered on Sundays, the orange Tupperware perched on the fridge holding pizzelle cookies, a treasure only unlocked if I cleaned my plate. I found joy through a jump rope team, traveling to mountain towns, staying with host families, and sharing the thrill of double Dutch and rope tricks with my elementary age peers in school gyms.
Looking back, so much has changed, but the essence has stayed the same. Health, wellness, family, and the joy of movement are still at the heart of who I am. Isn’t it amazing how the things we loved most as children never really leave us? That pull toward freedom and authenticity remains, whispering reminders of who we are at our core. Do you remember the rush of your bike speeding downhill? Or the pure joy of diving into a pool on a hot summer day? What did you naturally gravitate toward as a child, what made you feel alive, free, and true? And are you giving yourself permission to weave that same freedom and authenticity into your life today?
My book, Common Sixth Sense, offers a path back to that essence, a framework to help you reconnect with your authenticity and live the life that has been calling you all along.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Years ago, I stumbled upon a simple quote on a daily calendar. Decades later, it still sits on my desk as a reminder, grounding me every single day:
“The art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” — Havelock Ellis
Isn’t that the truth? Life often feels like a tug of war between what we cling to and what we’re asked to release. Through my own journey, filled with trial, error, and lessons learned the hard way, I’ve discovered that peace is almost always found on the side of letting go.
In Common Sixth Sense, I share reflections and practices to help shorten that space between holding on and letting go, so readers can find their way to deeper connection, greater freedom, and the calm that comes from living in alignment with what truly matters
Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
There is an episode of Unlocking Us with Brené Brown that has stayed with me. In it, she speaks with Dr. Edith Eger, clinical psychologist, author, and Holocaust survivor. Her story is powerful, but one statement moved me deeply. She said:
“If I survive today, then tomorrow I will be free.”
What stands out is not only the hope in those words, but the intention and choice behind them. Each day she survived, she chose freedom. Her mindset shaped her reality. That truth resonates so strongly with me: our mindset determines the quality of our lives. In my work, I guide people toward living more connected and authentic lives, and this always begins with a shift in perspective. When we choose connection, when we choose authenticity, we choose a fuller, freer life, one rooted in presence, resilience, and hope.
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. Let’s begin with a definition of terms so that each of us and our readers are on the same page. What exactly does intuition mean? Can you explain?
Intuition is your inner compass. Intuition is your most faithful and loving guide. It’s the trusted voice within that gently points you back to yourself and toward what feels true and right.
How would you define common sense? Are intuition and common sense related?
Common sense is often described as practical, everyday judgment. We develop common sense through experience, trial and error, and learning from consequences. It’s something we cultivate by moving through the world.
Intuition, however, lives in a different place. I try not to reduce it to a definition, because definitions can pull us into the head, towards analysis and debate. Instead, I invite people to shift away from the loud voice of the mind, or ego, and tune into the quieter voice of the gut, the spirit. This is where intuition resides.
When you begin to experience your intuition rather than define it, you start to recognize its unique voice. It becomes unmistakable, just like you’d recognize the voice of a child, a partner, or a friend. No definition is needed, only recognition. Over time, that recognition becomes your deep knowing.
Both common sense and intuition are forms of wisdom. The difference is how we come to know them: one is learned, the other is innate. Common sense grows from the outside in; intuition unfolds from the inside out.
How are they different from each other?
Common sense is something we learn through experience. Intuition, however, is a gift we are all born with. While we can practice tuning into it more often, it exists within us whether we acknowledge it or not. Each of us carries this innate compass, though for some, the signal may feel stronger or more familiar than for others.
Common sense can be useful in daily life, but as we know, it’s not always so “common.” Think of moments when someone walks on the wrong side of the sidewalk or rushes into an elevator before letting others step out. Those small lapses remind us that common sense is learned behavior, not a given.
Intuition, by contrast, is always present. It’s steady and waiting for us to listen.
What are the positive aspects of being in touch with your intuition? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?
An intuitive person carries a deeper awareness of themselves, of others, and of the world around them.
Intuition builds self-trust. Each time we listen to that quiet voice within and see how it protects and guides us, we begin to trust it more deeply. Think of the moment you felt something tell you not to turn down a street, only to discover later you avoided an accident. Or the unease you sensed about someone that was later confirmed. These experiences are a reminder that intuition is always working on your behalf, guiding you toward healthier, more aligned, and sometimes even life-saving choices.
Intuition also helps you care for your well-being. It is like a radar for your health and spirit, gently alerting you when something is out of balance. It speaks up when it’s time to step away from a draining relationship, or when your body gives you that subtle nudge that something isn’t quite right and needs attention. While the mind may dismiss these signals, intuition alerts, “Wait — pay attention.” When you listen, you honor both your body and our soul.
Most of all, intuition brings your power back to you. In a world full of outside opinions, noise, and influence, it’s easy to lose touch with your greatest guide — you. When you tap into your intuition, you lean less on the voices outside of you and more on the wisdom you already carry.
In Common Sixth Sense, I invite readers back to these innate abilities, helping them access the guidance they were born with. The more you recognize and trust your intuition, the more independent, confident, and authentically connected you become.
Are there negative aspects to being guided by intuition? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?
Intuition carries no negativity. It always works for your greater good. Think of it as information arriving from within; how you respond is entirely your choice.
Sometimes we confuse impulsive choices with intuition. Acting on a whim because something feels good in the moment isn’t always the same as listening to that deeper, wiser voice within. True intuition is different. It speaks with clarity, calm, and your highest good in mind. It isn’t scattered or misleading. Intuition is a purposeful, powerful guide, and when it speaks, it’s worth paying close attention.
You don’t want to treat intuition too casually, nor do you want to analyze it so much that you miss its simplicity. Intuition won’t encourage reckless behavior, nor will it leave you paralyzed by indecision. Instead, it guides you gently back to what feels true and aligned.
If you find yourself ruminating or regretting a choice, chances are it wasn’t intuition you were following. Intuitive decisions tend to bring ease, relief, and clarity, not confusion and chaos.
At its core, intuition is natural. When you allow yourself to listen, decision-making becomes lighter and clearer, as if the next step naturally reveals itself. That is the gift of intuition: it helps you return to yourself, with trust and peace.
Can you give some guidance about when one should make a decision based on their intuition and when one should use other methods to come to a decision?
Always trust your intuition and do your due diligence. Gather the information you need, do your research, and then let your inner wisdom guide the way. Intuition is like a trusted friend that grows stronger the more time you spend listening to it.
When it comes to the important decisions in life, let intuition be part of the process. Think of it as the quarterback on a football team: it sees the bigger picture and knows the right play. When your intuition passes you the ball, be ready to catch it, trust it, and move forward with confidence.
Building this relationship takes practice and patience, but each time you lean on your intuition, you deepen your trust in yourself. And that trust is the foundation of living a more aligned and authentic life.
From your experience or perspective, what are some of the common barriers that hold someone back from trusting their intuition?
From my perspective, one of the greatest barriers to trusting our intuition is a lack of self-trust. Many of us have been conditioned to lean more on external voices than on our own inner knowing. We’ve learned to seek validation, advice, or approval, and over time, this can drown out our intuitive voice.
Another barrier is the way so many of us move through life on autopilot. When we are constantly rushing, distracted, or focused on productivity, we rarely create the stillness needed to hear ourselves.
Mindset is another powerful factor. If someone believes they don’t have access to intuition or worse, that intuition isn’t real, they’re far less likely to notice or trust those sometimes-subtle inner nudges. Often, shifting this belief opens the door to an entirely new way of relating to oneself.
Finally, you cannot overlook the importance of safe spaces. If the people around you don’t value or welcome conversations about intuition, it can feel unsafe or even strange to share or explore those experiences. Without support, people may dismiss or suppress their intuitive insights.
Helping people reconnect with their intuition means addressing these barriers with compassion. It’s about reconnecting with self-trust, creating intentional pauses, reshaping limiting beliefs, and fostering environments where intuition is honored.
What are five methods that someone can use to become more in touch with their intuition?
- Breathe
In Common Sixth Sense, I speak often about the breath as one of your greatest tools for connection. You take about 20,000 breaths a day. How many are you truly aware of? Begin by noticing a few. Each conscious breath is a step back home to yourself. - Do Your Due Diligence, Then Trust
Allow your mind to gather the information it needs. Do your research, consider your options, and then let it go. Once you’ve done your part, trust yourself to navigate whatever follows. This practice builds self-trust, one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. - Spend Time Alone, Without an Agenda
When was the last time you allowed yourself simply to be? Even a few minutes each day, sitting with yourself without expectation, can reconnect you to your own presence. It’s in this quiet space that you begin to know yourself again. - Awaken Awareness
Notice what you notice. Become aware of your awareness. These small shifts bring you into the present moment, where intuition and clarity live. - Follow What Pulls You In
Pay attention to what naturally draws you closer. That pull is your inner compass, gently guiding you toward what feels authentic and alive. Trust it.
You are a person of significant influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I would invite people to awaken and use what I call their common sixth sense. When life jolts you, when you feel triggered or unsettled it often shows up as a surge of energy, almost like being pulled outside of yourself.
If you pause, breathe, and gently return to your body before taking action, there is a shift and everything changes. Can you imagine the ripple this would create in your life? Instead of reacting, internalizing, or projecting, you create space for more connected, intentional choices. The next time you feel that surge, stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and notice yourself returning home to your body. From that place of presence, proceed. This is where clarity, compassion, and authentic connection live.
Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!
Natalie Merchant — her voice, her lyrics and her music have helped me connect more deeply with myself for decades. I’ll never forget seeing her perform with 10,000 Maniacs at Red Rocks Amphitheater, or her unforgettable solo concert in Denver during the 1990s. San Andreas Fault has remained one of my favorite songs. If you don’t know the song, you should check it out. Natalie, I have a signed copy of my book for you.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can find me on Instagram at @commonsixth, on LinkedIn under Common Sixth, and at my website commonsixth.com.
My book, Common Sixth Sense: Unleash Your Most Authentic Connected Life, launches on 11/11/25 and will be available on Amazon.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Thank you and may you and your readers find peace and deeper connections.
Keeping In Touch With Your Intuition: Author Rachael Schmidt On How To Get In Touch With Your… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.