Today’s episode features a conversation with author and certified professional coach
, whose new book, Down to Earth: Demystify Intuition to Upgrade Your Life, is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their decision-making. Nil’s background sits at the intersection of logic and intuition.With a PhD in Economics, an engineering degree, and experience running a data team in financial technology, she brings a grounded, scientific approach to a topic often considered abstract.
In our discussion, Nil shared how intuition is a practical skill we all have, and it can be intentionally accessed to improve your life, from personal relationships to business decisions. Here are some of the key takeaways from our conversation:
The Scientific Side of Intuition
Nil's journey to embracing intuition began after a severe head injury that forced her to slow down. During this time, she experienced a unique state of stillness where her conscious mind would quiet, and ideas and solutions would unexpectedly emerge. She realized this was a form of intuition—a process cognitive scientists call unconscious work or the incubation period. It’s when your brain sifts through your stored knowledge and experiences to pull out a new solution.
How to Tap into Your Intuition Today
Nil emphasizes that intuition works best when combined with logic and that you can practice accessing it. She offers two simple, practical exercises you can start with:
The Nighttime Technique: Before going to bed, write a simple question on a piece of paper that you want your intuition to answer. This primes your mind to work on the problem while you sleep. The key is to capture the first thought that comes to you in the morning, before your conscious mind starts to create a story around it.
The Meditation & Imagination Method: Find a quiet, comfortable space and imagine yourself in a "happy place." Immerse yourself in the scene using all your senses. Once you feel calm and your mind is still, drop your question into that state of stillness.
Intuition for Business, Health, and Relationships
Nil stresses that tapping into your intuition doesn't mean you abandon logic. It means you gain valuable information that you can then combine with data and research.
In Business: The intuitive "gut feeling" of an experienced leader is often their unconscious mind quickly processing years of accumulated knowledge. For big decisions, combine your intuition with data, expert opinions, and an assessment of the risks involved.
In Health Care: While Nil advises trusting science and medical professionals for health decisions, she says intuition can be useful for choosing a doctor or deciding between healthy options.
In Life: When you feel a strong intuitive "pull" or "push," you can check to see if it's truly intuition by "shaking the answer" and asking again in a primed state of stillness. Intuition is persistent, while fear or other impulses can be fleeting.
One Story of a Life Changed by Intuition
One of the most profound changes Nil has seen is with people in a job search. Many people feel lost and unsure of what they want. By quieting their minds and asking their intuition, they often find a new direction or a new opportunity that they hadn't considered before.
Resources and Links
Get Your Copy of Down to Earth: Demystify Intuition to Upgrade Your Life
Kindle ebook: https://amzn.to/3VoZX32
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4pMT9u7
Connect with Nil:
Website: https://nildemircubuk.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nil-demircubuk-484119202/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nil_demircubuk
Connect with Ross:
Website: https://livestreamuniverse.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rossbrand
Substack: https://rossbrand.substack.com
➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact Ross at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact
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