How do I tell if my “gut feeling” is true intuition or just anxiety when I journal about sketchy situations?

Start by separating signals from stories. 1) Body check: note physical cues (tight chest, knotted stomach) and rate intensity 1–10. 2) Evidence scan: list three observable facts that concern you (e.g., rushed deadlines, vague answers) separate from assumptions. 3) Time test: ask, “Would this feel off tomorrow?” If yes, it’s more likely intuition than a spike of anxiety. 4) Control check (Stoic principle): write what’s in your control (questions to ask, boundaries) vs. not (others’ reactions). 5) Past pattern: journal two times when a similar cue led to a good decision—what matched? Use Stoic to keep these quick lists so your future self can compare feelings with facts.

What do I write if I can’t remember a time my intuition saved me from trouble?

Try three angles: 1) Small wins: recall minor nudges (taking a different route, delaying a reply) and note the cue, choice, and outcome. 2) Hypothetical replay: pick a recent uneasy moment and write two short scenes—follow the nudge vs. ignore it—then list which outcome aligns with your values. 3) Red-flag bank: make a running list of personal “trap” cues (urgency pressure, secrecy, love-bombing, moving goalposts). In Stoic, jot a one-line cue + example daily for a week; patterns will emerge even without a big dramatic story.

How can I use this prompt to prepare for future “it’s a trap” moments at work or in relationships?

Create a pre-commit plan in your journal: 1) Triggers: list top 3 traps you face (e.g., urgent asks, flattery, sunk-cost). 2) Body cues: describe how each feels. 3) Questions to ask before saying yes: What’s the rush? What’s unclear? What are the terms in writing? 4) Boundary scripts: write one sentence you can copy/paste (e.g., “I don’t commit on the spot; I’ll review and reply tomorrow.”). 5) Default action: pause 24 hours and seek one outside perspective. This Stoic entry becomes your personal checklist you can revisit before high-pressure decisions.

Journaling Idea - On “It’s a Trap!”.

Do you trust your gut to warn you about sketchy situations?

Can you remember a time your intuition saved you from trouble?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Sep 4, 2025

Journal in Stoic

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Natalia Łobodzińska

Head of Content at stoic.

Natalia oversees all content inside the Stoic app — from guided journals to daily prompts. She works closely with therapists and writers to make sure every word helps users reflect and grow. She also manages translations to keep the experience thoughtful and consistent across languages.

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