How often have you ignored that still, small voice, and paid the price? Why is it that we so often disregard one of the most valuable resources that we have? And how can we hone and improve that powerful tool?

I am guilty, most guilty of suppressing and overlooking the gut feeling on many occasions. The reasons why we do so at our peril are legion, but here is the main one, which I'm sure you'll identify with: Urgency. We do the urgent at the expense of the important. We need the money so we turn a blind eye to that little voice that tells us we're dealing with the wrong person. We want to reach our target or we want to avoid embarrassment, or we're impatient or just plain cheap. So we do what we feel uncomfortable with and end up with major discomfort. We know that short-term pain equals long-term pleasure, and that instant gratification is usually very expensive, so we should start to act accordingly. How often have you felt that you should call a friend or family member, and, when you did, they said it was just what they needed?

Usually, the first impression we have of someone is the right impression. If we turn down the volume on that still, small voice, we hear the voice of the person, selling us something we really shouldn't be buying. Then we start selling ourselves! And the signs we see are usually very subtle. A look, a tone of voice, a face that needs a shave, cigarette ash, dandruff or dog hair on the coat - tiny clues that are screaming at us, "RUN! DON'T DEAL! LOSER! RED LIGHT!"

When you think back on the times that you disregarded that gut feeling, you will remember the warning signals: the small lies, the excuses, the late payments, the unreturned calls, contradictions, cancellations and physical evidence that should have had you heading for the hills.

Here's how to hone that gut Feeling and avoid making the mistake again in the future:

1. Spend more time meditating, praying and being quiet. This builds your mental, spiritual and emotional strength and acuity.

2. Make a list of the signs you ignored in the past, and look out for them. Signs of slovenliness, lack of respect or self discipline, personal shoddiness and bad habits and lack of proof of their claims. Also, look at whom they associate with; a true sign of who they really are. And give them time to expose themselves; they can't hold their pose forever.

3. Enter every meeting with the commitment to yourself that you will do your due diligence and not make a decision until you are sure that you have listened carefully to your Garrulous Gut. I have decided that I will meet people in the future without expecting to do business with them. The pain of discipline weighs ounces, but the pain of regret weighs tons!

4. Take a trusted spouse or friend with you to the first meeting. One of you will be sure to get the Gut Gospel. My wife is usually very intuitive and has saved me a lot of money - when I listened to her, that is!

5. If you get the feeling to help someone or contribute, and you have nothing to gain by it, it's usually the right nudge. Do it, while the window of opportunity is still open.

6. Finally, be prepared to walk away from a deal if you're uncomfortable. If you hear the quacking of a duck, take off and go look for a screeching Eagle. There are still some Eagles about. They're few and far between, I grant you, but a duck in an Eagle outfit just doesn't cut it anymore. Rather be sensitive enough to find an Eagle in a duck outfit!

I'm making a little sign for my desk: "GO WITH YOUR GUT!" It will make me money, help others and save me frustration.