be amazing. Sometimes I think that’s what helps our perceptive
abilities come to our aid.
It’s also a matter of tuning in. Ever notice how when we are
in a situation that produces heightened alertness, whether it’s a sur-
vival course or trying to pass an important exam, how careful we
are in our responses? Suddenly, everything we say or do matters a
lot. That’s one way to notice how our instincts are there for us.
Logic may say one thing, instincts may say another. Ideally, you
should hone the best of both to make the best decisions.
I remember when I was acquiring 40 Wall Street, and literally
every person I met with recommended that it be turned into resi-
dential units. I didn’t agree. My gut instincts told me it was a great
business location. I remained steadfast in my beliefs and the building
now houses businesses that are thriving. It’s been a lucrative deal for
everyone, and 40 Wall Street is now worth in excess of $500 million.
When I was first starting out with my golf courses, my instincts
told me it was a good direction to go. Logically, I knew that I had
a passion for golf already, which is a crucial element for success, and
that if I combined that with knowledge of the process, I’d have my
bases covered. I found the best golf course designers in the world
and spent many hours working with them. The results have been
tremendous. I paired both instinct and logic to get these results.
Just as you would weigh your decisions carefully, be alert to your
instincts and what they are trying to tell you. Spend some time with
this innate aspect of yourself. See handling your instincts as an ac-
quired skill—they can give you an edge in many situations, business
or otherwise. There are a lot of things we can’t see or hear, and our
instincts are there to guide us. For example, if you were in the jun-
gle, which would you prefer, a map or a guide? I know I’d feel more
comfortable with a guide. A guide has experience and is right there
beside you.Your instincts are within you, so use them accordingly.
DONALD J. TRUMP