Trust Your Gut—Because Sometimes Your Brain is Full of Sh*t

I was seconds away from signing a contract that would’ve drained my savings—and my sanity. The numbers were perfect, the projections solid. But something in my gut felt like a ticking time bomb. Did I listen? Of course not. And that’s how I found myself in the middle of a financial nightmare, wondering why I didn’t trust my instincts sooner. For the longest time, I thought intuition was just something hippies and crystal enthusiasts talked about. But guess what? Turns out, your gut is smarter than you think—and it's probably been saving your ass more times than you realize. Intuition: The Woo-Woo That Works I used to think intuition was BS. I mean, why the hell would I listen to some vague, unquantifiable feeling when I had cold, hard data at my fingertips? Life has a funny way of kicking you in the teeth—especially when you ignore that little voice in your head. I’ve made enough mistakes ignoring my gut to know that sometimes, your instincts are the smartest part of you. Turns out, intuition isn’t some mystical force; it’s your brain processing an ungodly amount of information faster than you can say "spreadsheet." The Science Behind the Woo-Woo So what’s intuition, really? It’s your brain working in the background, connecting dots you didn’t even know existed. Kind of like how Netflix knows you’re going to binge-watch that guilty pleasure before you do. Here’s what I learned: Intuition is built on experience—years of it. Your brain picks up on patterns, stores them away, and when the moment’s right, throws you a gut feeling. It’s like your brain’s way of saying, “Hey, I’ve seen this before. Trust me on this one.” Even the guy who sells you everything from diapers to drones gets it. Jeff Bezos says when you’re venturing into unknown territory—where data doesn’t have your back—you’ve gotta rely on your gut. After all.. He didn’t build a trillion-dollar empire on spreadsheets alone. But it’s not just Bezos. Steve Jobs once said, “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” Albert Einstein—yeah, the guy who literally changed how we understand the universe—believed in the power of intuition too: “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” Even in the world of finance, Ray Dalio, one of the top hedge fund managers, echoes this sentiment: “In many cases, it’s not a well-thought-out decision—it’s something instinctual. It's like your subconscious working for you.” These heavy hitters didn’t get where they are by ignoring their gut feelings. Maybe there’s something to it after all. What the Hell Is a “Gut Feeling” Anyway? Now, let’s talk about that thing everyone calls a “gut feeling.” Spoiler: it’s not just a figure of speech. The gut is often called the "second brain"—and for good reason. The Gut-Brain Axis: Ever had a "gut-wrenching" experience? That’s not just drama; it’s biology. Your gut and brain are connected by a network of neurons and chemicals, including the vagus nerve, which is like a hotline between the two. When your gut senses something’s off, it sends a message upstairs to your brain—sometimes before you’re consciously aware of it. The Role of the Gut Microbiome: Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that don’t just help with digestion—they also play a role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influences mood. And mood? Well, that’s a big part of how open (or closed off) you are to those intuitive hits. The Vagus Nerve and Intuition: Here’s where it gets wild: The vagus nerve is like a messenger, relaying signals between your gut and brain. When your gut senses something funky—maybe a mismatch between what you’re seeing and what you’ve experienced in the past—it triggers a physical reaction. That’s why you get those “butterflies” or that sinking feeling in your stomach when something doesn’t feel right. Quick Rundown: Gut = Second Brain: It’s not just for digesting pizza. Your gut is loaded with neurons that communicate directly with your brain. Microbiome Magic: Your gut bugs affect your mood and behavior, which can make you more attuned to intuition. Vagus Nerve = Gut-Brain Hotline: When something’s off, the vagus nerve lets your brain know, pronto. My Journey: From “Data-Only” to “Gut-First” Let’s get personal for a second. I was the guy who’d run a dozen spreadsheets before making any decision. Data was king, and intuition was—well, not even a court jester. But after enough mistakes (and a few too many gut feelings I stupidly ignored), I finally started paying attention. Take the time I was about to close a real estate deal. Everything looked perfect on paper, but something felt off. I ignored it, went ahead, and—surprise, surprise—ended up knee-deep in a mess that took months to clean up. That was the wake-up call. Since then, I’ve learned to give my intuition a seat at the table. It’s not about ditching data—it’s about letting your gut have a say. And when the two align? That’s when you know you’re onto something good. How to Train Your Gut (No Crunches Required) Alright, so how do you sharpen this gut instinct of yours? Here’s what’s worked for me—and what could work for you: 1. Quiet the Noise Intuition needs space to breathe, but finding that space can feel impossible. You’re bombarded by screens charts opinions notifications Every 👏 second👏 of👏 the👏 day. To tune into your gut, you need to tune out the noise. Start small. Set aside 10-15 minutes each day where you disconnect completely—no phone, no laptop, no distractions. Meditate, take a walk, or just sit quietly. This isn’t about achieving zen—it’s about giving your mind the room it needs to process those subconscious signals. Over time, you’ll find that these quiet moments help you better hear what your gut is telling you. 2. Reflect and Journal Look back on your past decisions—both good and bad. When did you trust your gut, and when did you ignore it? What were the outcomes? Writing these down helps you see patterns that your conscious mind might miss. The act of journaling itself can be a powerful tool for connecting with your intuition. Keep an “intuition journal.” Each time you make a decision based on a gut feeling, write it down. Note how you felt, what your instincts were telling you, and how things turned out. This habit not only strengthens your intuition, but also builds your confidence in trusting it. 3. Start Small and Build You wouldn’t start lifting weights by benching 300 pounds, right? The same goes for your gut. Don’t make life-altering decisions based on intuition alone—at least not at first. Instead, start with smaller, less risky choices to build your confidence. The next time you face a decision—whether it’s choosing a book to read or deciding on a new hobby—go with your gut feeling. Notice how these smaller decisions turn out, and gradually apply this to more significant choices. As you see positive results, you’ll naturally start to trust your instincts more. 4. Use Visualization Athletes do this all the time—they visualize the game, the win, the victory. You can do the same to sharpen your intuition. Before making a decision, close your eyes and visualize the potential outcomes. Pay attention to how each scenario feels in your body—this can be a powerful way to access your gut instincts. Try this next time you’re on the fence about a decision. Imagine each option as vividly as possible, and notice your physical reactions. - Does one option make you feel tense or uneasy? - Does another give you a sense of calm or excitement? Your gut might already be telling you which path to take. 5. Balance It Out Let’s be clear—this isn’t about tossing logic out the window. Your gut is an incredible tool, but it’s most powerful when balanced with rational thought. Use your intuition to guide you, but let data and logic back it up. When faced with a decision, start with your gut instinct. Then, use data and logic to either validate or challenge that feeling. If both align, that’s your green light. If they don’t, dig deeper—sometimes your gut picks up on things that data alone can’t explain. 6. Learn to Differentiate Fear from Intuition One of the trickiest parts of trusting your gut is learning to tell the difference between intuition and fear. Fear screams at you to Stay safe Avoid risks Stay within your comfort zone. Intuition, on the other hand, is more subtle—it nudges you gently in the right direction. The next time you feel that gut instinct, ask yourself: Is this a quiet, steady feeling, or is it loud and frantic? Intuition tends to be calm and persistent, while fear is often urgent and chaotic. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at telling them apart. Embrace the Inner Wisdom (Even When It’s Inconvenient) So, friend, here’s where we land: Intuition isn’t magic, but it’s damn close. It’s your brain’s secret weapon, working in the background to guide you through life’s messiest moments. Ignore it at your peril. Embrace it, and you might just find yourself making better, faster, and more confident decisions. Next time you’re stuck in a tough spot, do yourself a favor—pause, take a breath, and listen to that quiet voice inside. It’s been saving your ass without you even knowing it. That is all for today. Until next time, Benoit. P.S. Got a gut feeling about this newsletter? Maybe it’s telling you to share it with a friend who could use a little less overthinking and a lot more instinct. I was seconds away from signing a contract that would’ve drained my savings—and my sanity. The numbers were perfect, the projections solid. But something in my gut felt like a ticking time bomb. Did I listen? Of course not. Of course not. And that’s how I found myself in the middle of a financial nightmare, wondering why I didn’t trust my instincts sooner. For the longest time, I thought intuition was just something hippies and crystal enthusiasts talked about. But guess what? Turns out, your gut is smarter than you think—and it's probably been saving your ass more times than you realize. Intuition: The Woo-Woo That Works Intuition: The Woo-Woo That Works I used to think intuition was BS. I mean, why the hell would I listen to some vague, unquantifiable feeling when I had cold, hard data at my fingertips? Life has a funny way of kicking you in the teeth—especially when you ignore that little voice in your head. I’ve made enough mistakes ignoring my gut to know that sometimes, your instincts are the smartest part of you. Turns out, intuition isn’t some mystical force; it’s your brain processing an ungodly amount of information faster than you can say "spreadsheet." The Science Behind the Woo-Woo The Science Behind the Woo-Woo So what’s intuition, really? It’s your brain working in the background, connecting dots you didn’t even know existed. Kind of like how Netflix knows you’re going to binge-watch that guilty pleasure before you do. Here’s what I learned: Intuition is built on experience—years of it. Your brain picks up on patterns, stores them away, and when the moment’s right, throws you a gut feeling. It’s like your brain’s way of saying, “ Hey, I’ve seen this before. Trust me on this one. ” Hey, I’ve seen this before. Trust me on this one. Even the guy who sells you everything from diapers to drones gets it. Jeff Bezos says when you’re venturing into unknown territory—where data doesn’t have your back— you’ve gotta rely on your gut . you’ve gotta rely on your gut After all.. He didn’t build a trillion-dollar empire on spreadsheets alone. But it’s not just Bezos. Steve Jobs once said, “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” “ Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary .” Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary Albert Einstein—yeah, the guy who literally changed how we understand the universe—believed in the power of intuition too: “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” “ The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift. ” The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift. Even in the world of finance, Ray Dalio, one of the top hedge fund managers, echoes this sentiment: “In many cases, it’s not a well-thought-out decision—it’s something instinctual. It's like your subconscious working for you.” “ In many cases, it’s not a well-thought-out decision—it’s something instinctual. It's like your subconscious working for you. ” In many cases, it’s not a well-thought-out decision—it’s something instinctual. It's like your subconscious working for you. These heavy hitters didn’t get where they are by ignoring their gut feelings. Maybe there’s something to it after all. What the Hell Is a “Gut Feeling” Anyway? What the Hell Is a “Gut Feeling” Anyway? Now, let’s talk about that thing everyone calls a “gut feeling.” Spoiler: it’s not just a figure of speech. The gut is often called the "second brain"—and for good reason. The Gut-Brain Axis: The Gut-Brain Axis: Ever had a "gut-wrenching" experience? That’s not just drama; it’s biology. Your gut and brain are connected by a network of neurons and chemicals, including the vagus nerve, which is like a hotline between the two. When your gut senses something’s off, it sends a message upstairs to your brain—sometimes before you’re consciously aware of it. The Role of the Gut Microbiome: The Role of the Gut Microbiome: Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that don’t just help with digestion—they also play a role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influences mood. And mood? Well, that’s a big part of how open (or closed off) you are to those intuitive hits. The Vagus Nerve and Intuition: The Vagus Nerve and Intuition: Here’s where it gets wild: The vagus nerve is like a messenger, relaying signals between your gut and brain. When your gut senses something funky—maybe a mismatch between what you’re seeing and what you’ve experienced in the past—it triggers a physical reaction. That’s why you get those “butterflies” or that sinking feeling in your stomach when something doesn’t feel right. Quick Rundown: Quick Rundown: Gut = Second Brain: It’s not just for digesting pizza. Your gut is loaded with neurons that communicate directly with your brain. Microbiome Magic: Your gut bugs affect your mood and behavior, which can make you more attuned to intuition. Vagus Nerve = Gut-Brain Hotline: When something’s off, the vagus nerve lets your brain know, pronto. Gut = Second Brain: It’s not just for digesting pizza. Your gut is loaded with neurons that communicate directly with your brain. Gut = Second Brain: It’s not just for digesting pizza. Your gut is loaded with neurons that communicate directly with your brain. Gut = Second Brain: Microbiome Magic: Your gut bugs affect your mood and behavior, which can make you more attuned to intuition. Microbiome Magic: Your gut bugs affect your mood and behavior, which can make you more attuned to intuition. Microbiome Magic: Vagus Nerve = Gut-Brain Hotline: When something’s off, the vagus nerve lets your brain know, pronto. Vagus Nerve = Gut-Brain Hotline: When something’s off, the vagus nerve lets your brain know, pronto. Vagus Nerve = Gut-Brain Hotline: My Journey: From “Data-Only” to “Gut-First” My Journey: From “Data-Only” to “Gut-First” Let’s get personal for a second. I was the guy who’d run a dozen spreadsheets before making any decision. Data was king, and intuition was—well, not even a court jester. But after enough mistakes (and a few too many gut feelings I stupidly ignored), I finally started paying attention. I finally started paying attention. I finally started paying attention. Take the time I was about to close a real estate deal. Everything looked perfect on paper, but something felt off. I ignored it, went ahead, and—surprise, surprise—ended up knee-deep in a mess that took months to clean up. That was the wake-up call. Since then, I’ve learned to give my intuition a seat at the table. It’s not about ditching data—it’s about letting your gut have a say. And when the two align? That’s when you know you’re onto something good. That’s when you know you’re onto something good. How to Train Your Gut (No Crunches Required) How to Train Your Gut (No Crunches Required) Alright, so how do you sharpen this gut instinct of yours? Here’s what’s worked for me—and what could work for you: 1. Quiet the Noise 1. Quiet the Noise Intuition needs space to breathe, but finding that space can feel impossible. You’re bombarded by screens charts opinions notifications screens screens charts charts opinions opinions notifications notifications Every 👏 second👏 of👏 the👏 day. To tune into your gut, you need to tune out the noise. Start small . Set aside 10-15 minutes each day where you disconnect completely—no phone, no laptop, no distractions. Start small Meditate, take a walk, or just sit quietly. This isn’t about achieving zen—it’s about giving your mind the room it needs to process those subconscious signals . room it needs room it needs to process those subconscious signals to process those subconscious signals Over time, you’ll find that these quiet moments help you better hear what your gut is telling you. 2. Reflect and Journal 2. Reflect and Journal Look back on your past decisions—both good and bad. When did you trust your gut, and when did you ignore it? What were the outcomes? Writing these down helps you see patterns that your conscious mind might miss. The act of journaling itself can be a powerful tool for connecting with your intuition. Keep an “intuition journal.” Each time you make a decision based on a gut feeling, write it down. Note how you felt, what your instincts were telling you, and how things turned out. Keep an “intuition journal.” This habit not only strengthens your intuition, but also builds your confidence in trusting it. 3. Start Small and Build 3. Start Small and Build You wouldn’t start lifting weights by benching 300 pounds, right? The same goes for your gut. Don’t make life-altering decisions based on intuition alone—at least not at first. Instead, start with smaller, less risky choices to build your confidence. The next time you face a decision—whether it’s choosing a book to read or deciding on a new hobby— go with your gut feeling . go with your gut feeling Notice how these smaller decisions turn out, and gradually apply this to more significant choices. As you see positive results, you’ll naturally start to trust your instincts more. 4. Use Visualization 4. Use Visualization Athletes do this all the time—they visualize the game, the win, the victory. You can do the same to sharpen your intuition. Before making a decision, close your eyes and visualize the potential outcomes. Pay attention to how each scenario feels in your body—this can be a powerful way to access your gut instincts. Try this next time you’re on the fence about a decision. Imagine each option as vividly as possible, and notice your physical reactions. - Does one option make you feel tense or uneasy? - Does another give you a sense of calm or excitement? Your gut might already be telling you which path to take. 5. Balance It Out 5. Balance It Out Let’s be clear—this isn’t about tossing logic out the window. Your gut is an incredible tool, but it’s most powerful when balanced with rational thought. Use your intuition to guide you, but let data and logic back it up. When faced with a decision, start with your gut instinct. Then, use data and logic to either validate or challenge that feeling. If both align, that’s your green light . If both align, that’s your green light If they don’t, dig deeper—sometimes your gut picks up on things that data alone can’t explain. 6. Learn to Differentiate Fear from Intuition 6. Learn to Differentiate Fear from Intuition One of the trickiest parts of trusting your gut is learning to tell the difference between intuition and fear. Fear screams at you to Stay safe Avoid risks Stay within your comfort zone. Stay safe Stay safe Avoid risks Avoid risks Stay within your comfort zone. Stay within your comfort zone. Intuition, on the other hand, is more subtle—it nudges you gently in the right direction. The next time you feel that gut instinct, ask yourself: Is this a quiet, steady feeling, or is it loud and frantic? Intuition tends to be calm and persistent , while fear is often urgent and chaotic. calm and persistent calm and persistent The more you practice, the better you’ll get at telling them apart. Embrace the Inner Wisdom (Even When It’s Inconvenient) Embrace the Inner Wisdom (Even When It’s Inconvenient) So, friend, here’s where we land: Intuition isn’t magic, but it’s damn close . Intuition isn’t magic, but it’s damn close It’s your brain’s secret weapon, working in the background to guide you through life’s messiest moments. Ignore it at your peril . Ignore it at your peril Embrace it, and you might just find yourself making better, faster, and more confident decisions. Embrace it, and you might just find yourself making better, faster, and more confident decisions. Next time you’re stuck in a tough spot, do yourself a favor—pause, take a breath, and listen to that quiet voice inside. It’s been saving your ass without you even knowing it. That is all for today. Until next time, Benoit. P.S. Got a gut feeling about this newsletter? Maybe it’s telling you to share it with a friend who could use a little less overthinking and a lot more instinct.