Lisa King Smith, Ed.S, LPC
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Lisa King Smith, Ed.S., LPC, LLC

Psychotherapy
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404-375-2036

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How to Know the Difference Between Fear of Change, Anxiety, and Intuition

6/29/2025

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Navigating life’s big decisions—whether it’s changing careers, moving cities, or starting a new relationship—often brings up a swirl of emotions. Among these, fear of change, anxiety, and intuition are especially powerful. But how do you tell them apart when they all show up as that unmistakable feeling in your gut? Here’s a guide to help you distinguish between them and make choices with greater clarity.

Understanding the Three Forces

Fear of Change
Fear of change is a natural response to stepping into the unknown. It’s rooted in our brain’s desire for safety and predictability. This fear often surfaces as resistance to new experiences, even when we know logically that change may be beneficial. It’s the voice that says, “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”
Key Signs: Focuses on what you might lose rather than what you could gain. Often tied to past experiences where change led to discomfort or pain. May manifest as procrastination, avoidance, or rationalizing why you should stay where you are.

Anxiety
Anxiety is a heightened state of worry, often about future events or unknown outcomes. It’s characterized by repetitive, circular thoughts and physical symptoms like a racing heart, tension, or restlessness.
Key Signs: Thoughts are frantic, urgent, and often catastrophic (“What if everything goes wrong?”). Physical symptoms: tightness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, shallow breathing. Tends to linger and thrives on self-doubt and second-guessing. Focuses on worst-case scenarios, leading to paralysis or overthinking. Demands immediate action or reassurance.

Intuition
Intuition is your subconscious drawing on past experiences and knowledge to offer guidance in the present. It often arrives as a calm, clear “knowing” or a gentle nudge, even if you can’t explain why.
​Key Signs: Feels neutral or even positive—there’s a sense of clarity or peace, not panic. Arrives quickly and quietly, often as a gut feeling or subtle insight. Aligned with your core values and authentic self. Offers a sense of expansion or openness, not constriction. Doesn’t demand immediate action; it invites reflection.

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    Lisa King Smith

    is a Licensed Psychotherapist in private practice and a health & wellness coach specializing in integrative & holistic approaches to mental health & wellbeing. She lives and practices in the West Georgia area near Atlanta. 

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Lisa King Smith, Ed.S., LPC LLC
309 Tanner Street
​Carrollton, GA
Phone: 404.375.2036
​Fax: 470-231-1732
[email protected]
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