Great question, icefire. The answer is that you always go with your instincts, as long as you are in a positive, appreciative mindset.
If you are being lead by the ego, or if you are being led by any negativity, then don't trust your instinct.
A rule I have for myself is, "As long as I have benevolent intentions, I should never feel bad about what I want to do."
Back to the ego. I've taught myself to be highly aware of whether my instincts are coming from a needy place (ego) or appreciative place (confidence). It took me years, but the idea is to always ask yourself, "Do I want to say or do this because I want people to like me, or do I want to do it because this is what I really feel?" At first, it will be difficult to discern between the two, but with practice at being aware of your intentions, you'll get damn good at it. Obviously, don't do the egoic thoughts, and DO the positive thoughts. After months of practice, you'll get damn good at being able to act on your positive instincts, and you won't feel hesitant or nervous anymore.
If you are being lead by the ego, or if you are being led by any negativity, then don't trust your instinct.
A rule I have for myself is, "As long as I have benevolent intentions, I should never feel bad about what I want to do."
Back to the ego. I've taught myself to be highly aware of whether my instincts are coming from a needy place (ego) or appreciative place (confidence). It took me years, but the idea is to always ask yourself, "Do I want to say or do this because I want people to like me, or do I want to do it because this is what I really feel?" At first, it will be difficult to discern between the two, but with practice at being aware of your intentions, you'll get damn good at it. Obviously, don't do the egoic thoughts, and DO the positive thoughts. After months of practice, you'll get damn good at being able to act on your positive instincts, and you won't feel hesitant or nervous anymore.