The Subtraction Lab, Issue 6
“There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen.”
The Problem
We live in a world that celebrates logic, sensibility, and evidence - and there’s nothing wrong with that. But somewhere along the way, many of us stopped trusting our own inner knowing. We second-guess ourselves, crowdsource every decision, and analyze things until we lose touch with what we actually feel.
You’ve probably had moments when your gut whispered something - slow down, take the leap, be careful - but your brain quickly shut it off. It’s easy to dismiss intuition as irrational or unreliable, especially in a culture that rewards proof, logic, and certainty.
Why Ignoring Doesn’t Work
The problem is that intuition isn’t the opposite of logic - it’s the partner of it. When we ignore intuition, we lose access to the quiet data our body and emotions are constantly gathering. Over time, that disconnection leads to distress, regret, and loss of self-trust.
The Truth
The people who seem most grounded and confident aren’t the ones with all the answers- they’re the ones who’ve learned to pause and listen. They understand that intuition is a quiet kind of intelligence, and they’ve practiced trusting it before they act.
Consider this: What is the best thing that could happen if you actually followed that inner nudge? Whether it’s finally doing the thing you've been talking about for years, putting an end to a toxic relationship, or simply allowing yourself to believe that anything is possible, perhaps you would find a little more space for peace, purpose, and joy in life.
Now What?
Let me show you how this works with a real example, the research behind it, and simple steps you can try today.
Real World Example
A few years ago, I was approached to work a project that looked perfect on paper. It aligned with my skills, paid well, and seemed like a great opportunity. But something in me warned don’t do it! Every fiber of my being said to run the other direction, but logically, that didn’t make any sense. So, I went against my instincts and accepted the offer.
From day one, it was a nightmare. Everything that could go wrong, did. With an impossible workload, a toxic culture, and a volatile leadership team, being on that program drained the life out of me- emotionally, mentally, physically. It pulled me away from my family, my business, and everything that made me feel like me. When it all finally imploded, I realized something I’ll never forget: Intuition doesn’t always explain itself- it just tries to protect you from learning the hard way.
The Research
Turns out, there’s science behind intuition, and it’s more reliable than we often give credit.
Studies in cognitive neuroscience show that intuition isn’t mystical, it’s a form of rapid pattern recognition built on experience. Our brains process vast amounts of information beneath conscious awareness, surfacing as a “gut feeling”.
Research suggests that when people integrate intuition with reasoning, rather than suppressing it, their decision accuracy actually improves, especially under stress. In other words, intuition is data. It’s just stored differently.
When you slow down long enough to listen, your body and mind start sharing what they already know. As you get better at honing your instincts, you'll stop overthinking and become more efficient at making decisions.
Ready to start flexing your inner wisdom?
Follow these steps:
Pause and notice. When you face a choice, stop for 30 seconds. Notice your internal reaction before your brain rushes to overthink things..
Look for calm, not comfort. Intuition feels calm, clear, stable and certain- even if the message is uncomfortable. Fear, on the other hand, feels urgent and tight.
Start small. Begin by making low-stakes choices based on your gut feeling, like choosing an outfit or what to eat. Validating these small intuitive nudges builds trust in yourself.
Reflect. Think about times when you did follow your intuition. What happened? How did it feel? The more awareness you bring to what felt right (versus what didn’t), the more accurate your intuition becomes over time.
To Sum it Up…
Your intuition isn’t a luxury; it’s a compass—one that points you back to what’s true, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Keep subtracting,
Amy
PS Ready to reclaim your joy? Join our Burnout Recovery Group!
