Chapter 1: Introduction
In the first chapter of Instinct, author T.D. Jakes introduces his theory that intuition is an instinctive habit that can shape our behavior and choices. Through this concept, we can avoid temptations and become more successful as well as create a better life for ourselves. He uses the analogy of an executive secretary that can instinctively know when her boss calls so she can be ready to answer and take care of the task at hand. This demonstrates that having good intuition can help us become more effective and efficient in our lives.
Chapter 2: Learning from Your Instincts
In this chapter, Jakes discusses the importance of developing and honing our instinctual skills in order to succeed. He explains that having good instincts can be learned through practice and experience. As an example, Jakes brings up a mother-daughter relationship in which the daughter can gauge her mother's reactions to certain situations. This mother-daughter relationship is a perfect example of how instinctive knowledge can be developed over time and continue to shape the way an individual interacts with others.
Chapter 3: Instinctual Decisions
Jakes argues that oftentimes, our first instincts are often the best route to take. He discusses the idea that making instinctual decisions can save us from making costly mistakes and instead sets us up for success. As an example, Jakes talks about an entrepreneur who trusted his instinct when making a quick business decision, which ended up making him a large amount of money. This demonstrates how sometimes gut feelings or instinctual decisions can lead to really great outcomes.
Chapter 4: Navigating Our Desires
In this chapter, Jakes explains how understanding our desires on a deeper level can help us control our instincts. As an example, he uses a recovering alcoholic who must face his desires and learn to control their impulses in order to stay sober. Through controlling their impulses, he became able to avoid making rash decisions and instead practice patience while working to bettering him and his life.
Chapter 5: Empowerment Through Instinct
This chapter dives into the concept of how we can become empowered through following our instincts. Jakes explains that by trusting our gut feelings, being patient, and building discipline, we can create an advantageous mindset that allows us to be successful. He brings up the example of a college student who followed his instincts to attend a networking event which ended up leading him to a major breakthrough in his career. This story shows how trusting our instincts can take us to places we never imagined.
Chapter 6: Retaining Instinct as We Grow
In the final chapter, Jakes explains how we can retain our instincts while growing older and evolving. He discusses how people often abandon old habits and beliefs as they grow up. It is important that we recognize when instinctive behaviors are beneficial and honor them. As an example, Jakes talks about a grandmother who still practices the same prayer routine she set up as a young girl. Even after decades, the woman still honors her instinctive behavior and believes it has had a positive influence in her life. This illustrates how it is possible to remain connected to our instincts even with age and external changes.
