Keeping In Touch With Your Intuition: Dre Olsen of ZantOn How To Get In Touch With Your Intuition And When To Trust Your Intuition When Making Decisions
An Interview With Maria Angelova
Breathe: Taking deep breaths is a fundamental method to enhance your connection with intuition. It provides your brain with the oxygen it needs to function optimally. Imagine being a parent facing a challenging situation with your child. Responding in the heat of the moment can be less effective than taking a moment to breathe deeply. This pause can help you access your intuitive wisdom and respond more thoughtfully.
Intuition is defined as the ability to understand something immediately without the need for conscious reasoning. Where does intuition come from? Can it be trusted? How can someone tune in to their intuition? To address these questions, we are talking to business leaders, coaches, mental health experts, authors, and anyone who is an authority on “How to Get In Touch With Your Intuition And When To Trust Your Intuition When Making Decisions.” As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dre Olsen.
Dre Olsen is a certified health and habit coach dedicated to transforming lives by breaking through habits that hinder true potential. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and proven systems, Dre develops personalized plans, providing unwavering accountability and ongoing support to empower individuals. Beyond coaching, Dre’s diverse roles as an entrepreneur, yoga instructor, venture capitalist, mom, and wife contribute to a profound understanding of the human experience, fostering a passion for guiding others toward a fulfilling life aligned with true passions and purpose.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
I transitioned through various stages of education, from elementary school to intermediate and then junior high, culminating in high school and college. My family and I moved frequently, but amidst the changes, two constants remained — family and our church community. During my teenage years, I ventured into the world of dance, which I found both enjoyable and challenging. However, it came with its difficulties, as my instructor often made comments about weight loss. Even as a 14-year-old, I knew there was a better way. I began constantly seeking ways to improve myself. This pursuit led me to higher education, certifications, exercise in many fun forms, including running and yoga. In fact, I later became a certified yoga instructor. Interestingly, I noticed that people often turned to me for advice and guidance. Consequently, I decided to expand my expertise by obtaining certifications as a health and healthy habits coach and a life coach.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One quote that has always resonated with me is ‘Try, try, try.’ I used to share this mantra with my children when they were little, and I’d often discuss it with my husband before going to bed. He loves that I wake up determined to keep trying, and this philosophy became deeply ingrained in our lives. To me, the essence of this quote lies in the idea that trying is the most vital aspect of any endeavor. In fact, I firmly believe that the goal should be to experience failure every day. By pushing ourselves to fail, we’re truly testing our limits and making the most out of our efforts. Simply put, if you’re not failing, you’re not pushing yourself hard enough.
Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
One work that has truly resonated with me is ‘Gone with the Wind.’ I found myself repeatedly drawn to it because of the rich array of characters and the diverse forms of resilience each character displays throughout the story. What struck me the most was the way, despite enduring numerous losses, the main character ultimately finds hope. This portrayal of hope as a powerful force deeply resonated with me.
It made me reflect on the concept of grit in various aspects of life — physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and even environmental to name a few. We must exercise these forms of grit to strengthen them, just as we work out our bodies. ‘Gone with the Wind’ served as a reminder to embrace life’s challenges, show resilience, and, like the characters in the story, hold onto hope as a guiding light in the face of adversity.
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. Let’s begin with a definition of terms so that each of us and our readers are on the same page. What exactly does intuition mean? Can you explain?
Intuition is essentially the emotional aspect of our thought process, often referred to as a ‘gut feeling’ or ‘inner knowing.’ It resides in our feelings and emotions.
How would you define common sense? Are intuition and common sense related?
On the other hand, common sense is rooted in logic and factual understanding. It’s shaped by societal norms, culture, and tradition.
The interesting connection between these two lies in their role in decision-making. Every decision we make involves a blend of both intuition and common sense, and they tend to complement each other in various ways.
How are they different from each other?
Common sense is largely influenced by our past experiences, serving as a valuable avenue for learning. In contrast, intuition operates in the present moment, relying on our current feelings and emotions to guide us. So, while they share similarities in decision-making, they differ in their sources and the timeframes in which they operate.
What are the positive aspects of being in touch with your intuition? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?
Reflecting on my experience as a health coach, being truly connected with your intuition has several positive aspects. It empowers you to discern what genuinely feels right for you in the present moment. An analogy I often draw is related to dietary choices. Consider someone who has a fondness for donuts — while this preference exists, it doesn’t mandate indulgence every time. By tapping into their intuition, they open the door to a new perspective. They can pause, reflect, and ascertain whether they truly crave a donut at that moment, or if their inclination is driven by habit. In essence, embracing intuition can guide us to make choices that are aligned with our present desires and needs, breaking free from habitual patterns. It’s about acknowledging our preferences without being captive to them, ultimately leading to a more mindful and fulfilling way of living.
Are there negative aspects to being guided by intuition? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?
It’s important to recognize that our intuition communicates in a unique language, one that’s internal and often not easily expressed in words. This means that what we perceive as an intuitive decision is, in fact, a choice made within the confines of our own limited internal language.
To illustrate this, I recall a personal experience after a strenuous long run. I found myself craving a massive burger. I went ahead and indulged in the burger, but afterward, I didn’t feel great about my choice. I began to question why I had that craving in the first place, as it left me feeling unsatisfied and sluggish. Upon reflection, I realized that my craving wasn’t purely about the taste or nutrition of the burger; it was a textual craving. My intuition had communicated a desire for something hearty and substantial.
By taking a step back and deciphering what my intuition was truly signaling, I was able to translate it into a healthier alternative that fulfilled my craving for texture and substance. This brought me to a massive truth: Our intuition can only use a language that it knows. If we don’t give ourselves new experiences, new paradymes, new flavors, and new textures, our current crave can only use old language to express what we currently want. That’s how we can crave a buffalo wing while knowing or will hurt our insides! That’s why we crave a bowl of ice cream when it leaves us with a stomach ache. We aren’t allowing ourselves, our intuition, to learn a new language and be able to effectively communicate what it craves. This experience taught me that sometimes our intuition can lead us astray when we misinterpret its signals. It’s essential to pause, evaluate our cravings, and discern what our intuition is genuinely trying to convey. Otherwise, we may find ourselves making choices that don’t align with our well-being.
Can you give some guidance about when one should make a decision based on their intuition and when one should use other methods to come to a decision?
In the realm of habit coaching, a key aspect is becoming conscious of when our habits are taking the reins of our decision-making. Often, our habits may make us feel safe. That’s why they are there! Our brain is trying to help us reach safety by shortening the neuropathways from task to task. Long neuropathways, or habits that are yet to be engrained, feel uncomfortable and a little like we are on a teeter totter. The more we do them though, the more engrained the pathway becomes and the less wobbly we feel.
Now, knowing we want to increase our intuition, our in the moment decisions, are we ok with an action getting a little uncomfortable? If we are, this shift highlights the dynamic nature of intuition and habits. So, in essence, if you aim to make decisions based on intuition, be prepared for some initial discomfort because often, it’s the departure from the norm that leads to unique and potentially positive outcomes.
From your experience or perspective, what are some of the common barriers that hold someone back from trusting their intuition?
Often, a significant barrier to trusting one’s intuition stems from years, or even decades, of external influences suggesting that what you desire or feel isn’t valid, regardless of its nature — whether it’s related to your dietary choices, cultural preferences, or other aspects of life. These persistent external messages can erode confidence in your intuitive side, especially when long-standing habits play a substantial role in your daily life. It’s worth noting that each habit we develop has its own distinct origin, components, or triggers.
Over time, these habits can overshadow our intuitive instincts. To overcome this hurdle, it’s essential to step back and gain perspective. When we distance ourselves from the immediate influence of our habits, we open ourselves to a different viewpoint, which can be incredibly eye-opening. This shift in perspective can help us rekindle our trust in our intuition and break free from the constraints imposed by external influences and ingrained habits.
What are five methods that someone can use to become more in touch with their intuition?
1. Breathe: Taking deep breaths is a fundamental method to enhance your connection with intuition. It provides your brain with the oxygen it needs to function optimally. Imagine being a parent facing a challenging situation with your child. Responding in the heat of the moment can be less effective than taking a moment to breathe deeply. This pause can help you access your intuitive wisdom and respond more thoughtfully.
2. Hydrate: Staying well-hydrated is essential as it prevents your body from misinterpreting thirst as hunger, which can cloud your intuition. I’ve personally experimented with intermittent fasting and found that maintaining proper hydration levels can help you feel satisfied and make you more intuitive in your dietary choices.
3. Sleep: Adequate sleep is a powerful ally for intuition. It accumulates over time and greatly affects your ability to make choices and grow. I vividly remember the early days of parenthood when sleep was scarce. After getting a full night’s rest, I felt like I could conquer the world! Isn’t it amazing how much we try to accomplish while sleep deprived?
4. Explore: Your intuition has its own language, and to understand it better, you must explore new experiences. Whether it’s trying new foods or engaging in different activities, your intuition benefits from exposure to diverse situations. For instance, opting for avocado with sea salt instead of fries when we are craving fat and salt can be a simple yet effective way to train your intuition toward healthier choices.
5. Rejoice in the Struggle: Recognize that understanding how your intuition communicates is a journey. It may sometimes resemble failure, but it’s an essential part of the process. Embrace the struggle as a secret weapon for success. The more you practice and learn from both your successes and perceived failures, the more comfortable and in touch with your intuition you’ll become.
These methods serve as valuable tools to foster a stronger connection with your intuition, enabling you to make more aligned and insightful decisions in various aspects of life.
You are a person of significant influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
Absolute truth is out there. Haven’t found it yet? Then let’s embark on a continuous journey of discovery and learning, underpinned by the steadfast commitment to keep trying, even in the face of challenges. By promoting a culture of curiosity, openness, and dedication to uncovering truth, we could usher in a world where knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are shared widely, benefitting the maximum number of people. When truth is discovered, more truth is craved.
Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!
I’d choose to have lunch with my husband. He’s not only my best friend but also the person I cherish spending time with the most. However, I’m open to going to lunch with anyone and everyone who’s willing to engage in meaningful conversation. To you who is reading this, does that include you?
How can our readers further follow your work online?
For readers who want to stay updated on my work, you can follow me on Instagram, my account is @Dre.healthcoach.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
Keeping In Touch With Your Intuition: Dre Olsen of ZantOn How To Get In Touch With Your Intuition… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.