Why Intuition and Discernment Are the Keys to Your Next Level
The Power of Intuition and Discernment
Have you ever experienced a moment where you just knew something was right, even though there was no logical reason for it? Maybe it was a sudden urge to change your routine, meet a new person, or make a big career move — and it turned out to be exactly what you needed.
Here’s a real-life example of how intuition and discernment worked together for me:
Picture this: You’re planning a big creative project and you need a photographer. Your usual coffee shop routine calls you to grab your usual, but today, something nudges you to try a new place. You decide to visit that new cafe you had saved in your notes app.
You sit in the back, get into work mode, and order your usual cappuccino with extra foam and almond milk. (Trust me, it's fire! 😉)
As you work, you notice someone nearby — a man pulls out a camera and starts uploading photos to his laptop. There’s something about him that gives you a good feeling. You spark up a conversation, and it turns out he’s a photographer specializing in creative shoots. You ask about his availability, and boom — you connect! Fast forward, and that shoot leads to your favorite brand reaching out to orchestrate a brand deal with you with one of your favorite products you use as a dancer.
What happened there? You were guided by your intuition and discernment. That nudge to try a new cafe wasn’t random — it led you to a crucial opportunity.
Intuition vs. Discernment: What's the Difference?
Now, let’s break down the key terms here. Intuition and discernment are often used interchangeably, but they each have very distinct roles:
Intuition (from the dictionary) is: the power or faculty of attaining to direct knowledge or cognition without evident rational thought or inference. In my simpler terms — it's that gut feeling or inner knowing.
Discernment (from the dictionary) is: the ability to judge well. It’s not just about making decisions, but about using critical thought and wisdom to weigh options from different angles and choose what’s best.
So, intuition gives you that gut feeling, and discernment is your ability to assess that feeling with thoughtfulness and wisdom.
How Intuition and Discernment Help You Level Up
Trusting your intuition and sharpening your discernment can truly change the game in your life and career. Here's how:
Make Wiser Decisions
When you trust your gut, you’re making decisions that align with your purpose and goals. Instead of second-guessing yourself, your intuition guides you toward what’s best.Break Negative Cycles
Intuition and discernment help you recognize when you’re stuck in a cycle that doesn’t serve you. By listening to your inner voice, you can steer clear of repeating mistakes. You know how they say God lives within us? God is that inner voice (the positive one).Build Confidence and Clarity
The more you practice listening to your intuition and using discernment, the clearer you become about your path. You start making confident decisions that lead to higher quality experiences.
Ways to Strengthen Your Intuition and Discernment
Not sure how to develop these inner tools? Here are practical tips to help you tune in:
Eat Clean, Whole Foods
What you put in your body affects your mental clarity and intuition. Fast food and processed foods can cloud your judgment. Try eating more whole foods — it’ll sharpen your mind and energy.
(Check out this article from Harvard Medical School on how food affects your brain: Nutritional psychiatry: Your brain on food)Pro Tip: Life’s about balance — Trust me, I loooovveeeee a good 10-count nugget with polynesian sauce from Chick-fil-A, but moderation is key!
Reduce Smoking & Drinking Habits
If you smoke or drink regularly, reducing or eliminating these habits will clear the mental fog. If going cold turkey is tough, gradually cut back and remove temptation by clearing your house of these substances.Remove Yourself from Toxic People
Your intuition will tell you when someone isn’t good for you. Trust it and distance yourself from toxic exes, friends who drain you, or negative environments.
(This might mean blocking that toxic ex or even leaving a draining work environment.)Start Your Day with Scripture or Meditation
Begin each day grounded. Read a passage of scripture, meditate, or listen to high-frequency music. This clears mental clutter and helps you tune into your higher self.
(Start your day with something positive — don’t let your first thoughts be the news, texts, or your email inbox.)Incorporate Motivational & Inspirational Podcasts
If you need help thinking positive, listen to people who inspire you. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or just relaxing, surround yourself with content that encourages positivity and motivation. I have a podcast that has weekly new episodes here!
How Intuition and Discernment Lead to Success
Strengthening your intuition and discernment has played such a major role in my own journey (and still is). It’s helped me:
Avoid negative situations that used to pull me down.
Increase my confidence and sense of self.
Cultivate higher-quality experiences both in my personal life and my creative career.
Now, when it’s time to make decisions as a dancer, model, actress, or creative, I trust my intuition and use discernment to make empowered choices.
As you evolve into your next-level self — whether in your career or personal life — these practices will give you the clarity and confidence to make the right decisions for your future.
Lastly, Trust Your Gut!
Ready to start trusting your intuition and discernment more? The next time you feel that nudge to make a decision or try something new, listen to it. It could just be the step you need to take toward your next big opportunity.
