Let’s talk about something we all deal with every. single. day: making decisions. Big ones, small ones, “do I want coffee or tea” ones, and “should I quit my job” ones. Turns out, we make about 35,000 decisions a day. Yep, you read that right. And no, most of them aren’t life-altering, but they can still feel overwhelming, right?
Life is basically one giant game of “choose your own adventure,” except there’s no handy book that tells you if you’re heading toward treasure or, you know, a swamp full of crocodiles. So how do you make sure you’re picking the right path? Let’s break it down.
1. Trust Your Gut (If Your Gut’s Worth Trusting)
We’ve all heard, “go with your gut,” but let’s be real—your gut has to be trained to know what’s good for you. If you’ve got a track record of bad decisions, maybe don’t listen to that little voice just yet. But if your instincts have been pretty solid, lean into them. That gut feeling is your subconscious connecting dots you didn’t even realize were there.
2. Phone a Friend (or Mom, or Whoever Grounds You)
Sometimes you’re too close to a situation to see it clearly. That’s when calling in a trusted second opinion can work wonders. Whether it’s your best friend, your mom, or someone who’s been there, a fresh perspective can reveal things you hadn’t considered. Just don’t fall into the trap of asking 20 people—you’ll end up more confused than when you started.
3. When in Doubt, Flip the Coin
No, I’m not saying leave your future up to heads or tails. But if you flip a coin and feel a twinge of regret or relief when it lands, that’s your answer. The coin doesn’t decide for you—it just reveals what you really wanted all along.
4. Ask the Big Question: What’s the Worst That Can Happen?
When fear of making the wrong choice paralyzes you, play it out. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that can happen if I choose this?” Nine times out of ten, it’s not nearly as bad as your brain is making it out to be. And even if it is, chances are you’ll survive. People are way more resilient than they think.
5. Embrace the Power of the Pause
Look, not every decision has to be made on the spot. If you’ve got the luxury of time, use it. Sleep on it, take a walk, or step away for a bit. Clarity often shows up when you’re not staring the problem down like it owes you rent.
6. Remember: No Decision is Still a Decision
Here’s the kicker: not making a decision? That’s also a choice. And usually, it’s the worst one. Life doesn’t stop because you’re stuck. The world will move on, and so will opportunities. Don’t let fear of making the wrong decision keep you from making any decision at all.
7. Look to Your Guide (Whatever That May Be)
Some people turn to prayer, the Bible, or meditation. Others turn to mentors, books, or even journaling. Whatever your compass is, use it. A little self-reflection or outside guidance can help you feel more confident about the path you’re taking.
8. Let Go of Perfection
Here’s the tea: there’s no such thing as a perfect decision. Every choice comes with pros and cons. The key is to focus on what’s best for you in this moment, knowing that life will shift and evolve. And guess what? You can always pivot if something doesn’t work out. Life isn’t as one-and-done as we make it seem.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, life is just a series of choices strung together. Some will be amazing, others not so much, but every single one teaches you something. So don’t sweat it too much. Make your choice, own it, and keep moving forward. After all, isn’t that what life’s all about?
Oh, and if all else fails, text me. We’ll figure it out together.