Let’s be honest—some days, just choosing what to have for dinner feels like a major life decision. (Why is "tacos or pasta?" so emotionally loaded?) So when actual big decisions roll around—like changing jobs, downsizing, moving cities, or even deciding whether to paint the kitchen—we can end up in full-on brain gridlock.
If you've ever found yourself thinking, “I just don’t know what to do,” you’re definitely not alone.
Decision-making can be hard. Not because you're indecisive, but because you're thoughtful. And sometimes, caring deeply about the outcome makes it even harder to choose. Add to that the general overwhelm of life—juggling family, work, unexpected curveballs, and the mental load of just keeping everything together—and suddenly, even simple choices can feel like climbing a mental mountain.
So, whether you're choosing between two good options, navigating a major life transition, or just trying to stop overthinking that one persistent what if, here are some light-hearted (but seriously helpful) tips to make decision-making feel a little easier—and maybe even a bit fun.
1. Name What’s Really Going On
The first step in any decision is figuring out why you’re stuck.
Are you afraid of making the wrong choice? Worried about letting someone down? Just overwhelmed by too many options—or everything else life is currently throwing at you?
Naming the emotion behind the indecision gives it less power. Instead of spinning your wheels in confusion, you can say, “Ah, this is fear of change talking,” or “I’m overloaded and can’t think straight right now.” It’s like turning on the lights in a messy room—things may still be scattered, but at least now you can see what you’re working with.
2. Limit Your Options (Seriously, Fewer is Better)
You’ve probably heard of decision fatigue—that thing where your brain gets tired from too many choices. (Hence why Mark Zuckerberg wears the same outfit every day. Apparently.)
If you're trying to choose between everything, you'll end up choosing nothing. Instead, limit your options to two or three solid choices.
Ask yourself:
“If I had to pick just two paths, what would they be?”
“Which choices are actually realistic for me right now?”
Once you've narrowed it down, the decision process gets much clearer.
3. Try the 10-10-10 Rule
This little trick comes from author and business exec Suzy Welch, and it's gold. When faced with a decision, ask yourself:
How will I feel about this in 10 minutes?
How about in 10 months?
And in 10 years?
It gives you a short-term, medium-term, and long-term lens. That risky-but-exciting opportunity might feel terrifying now, but in 10 years, you might see it as a turning point. On the other hand, that "safe" option might offer short-term comfort but lead to long-term restlessness.
Sometimes the right choice is the one your future self will thank you for.
4. Flip a Coin (Wait, Hear Me Out)
If you’re down to two solid choices and truly can’t decide, try flipping a coin—not to make the decision, but to reveal your preference.
Pay close attention to your gut reaction as the coin lands.
If you're secretly hoping it lands heads, you already have your answer.
If you're disappointed with the result, that tells you something too.
Your subconscious often knows what you want long before your logical brain catches up.
5. Phone a (Neutral) Friend
Sometimes, the best way to hear your own thoughts is to say them out loud to someone else. Not to ask them what you should do, but to help you hear your own reasoning.
Pick someone who:
Isn't emotionally involved in your outcome
Will ask thoughtful questions
Won’t try to fix or sway you
The goal isn't for them to decide for you, but to help you process out loud. Sometimes the clarity comes just from hearing yourself talk through it.
6. Try a “Practice Run”
Can you test-drive one of your options?
Thinking about moving to a new town? Spend a weekend there pretending you already live there.
Considering a home renovation? Start with a small room or sample material before committing.
Debating a career change? Try freelancing, shadowing, or volunteering in that field for a short time.
Trying out an option in a low-risk way can give you valuable insight and reduce fear of the unknown.
7. Listen to Your Body
This might sound a little woo-woo, but stay with me: your body often knows what your brain is still debating.
When you think about one choice, how does your body react?
Do your shoulders tense up or relax?
Does your stomach twist or settle?
Do you feel energized or drained?
Your physical response can give you a clue about which choice aligns more with your true self—even before you can articulate it logically.
8. Make Peace with Imperfect Decisions
Not every decision has a perfect answer. In fact, most don’t.
Sometimes the best choice isn’t the perfect one—it’s the one you commit to and make work. So instead of asking, “Which option is perfect?” ask:
“Which one do I feel most ready to move forward with?”
“Which choice can I stand behind, even if it’s hard?”
Confidence grows from taking action—not from waiting for the stars to align.
9. Write a Pro/Con List—with a Twist
You’ve probably tried the classic pro/con list, but here’s the twist: after you write it out, rank each item by importance.
Some cons might look big but feel small when you weigh them. And some pros might seem minor but carry emotional weight.
For example:
“Closer to work” might be a minor pro.
“Better mental health” might be a major one.
Suddenly, the “obvious” choice might shift once you prioritize what matters most to you.
10. Give Yourself Permission to Change Your Mind
Sometimes, we put too much pressure on decisions because we believe they must be final.
But here’s a gentle reminder: very few decisions are permanent.
You can change jobs again.
You can repaint the walls.
You can move again (yes, even that).
Giving yourself permission to pivot later can take the weight off the choice in front of you now. And ironically, that often leads to making bolder, better decisions in the present.
A Note for the Overthinkers (You Know Who You Are)
If you find yourself researching every option to death, making 17 spreadsheets, and consulting strangers on the internet for their opinions (hello, Reddit), this one’s for you.
Overthinking is not problem-solving.
Information is good. But too much information just becomes noise. Set a time limit for research, and then act. Even small steps forward can clear the fog.
What Does This Have to Do with Real Estate? (Very Little… And Yet, Everything)
This blog wasn’t about buying or selling a home, but decision-making plays a huge role in those life events.
Whether it's deciding:
To move or stay
To rent or buy
To list your home now or wait a year…
…these are big choices that can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re already mentally stretched thin by life in general. But the tools you use in everyday decision-making—tuning into your values, simplifying options, checking in with your body, gathering just enough information—apply to the big stuff too.
And just so you know: when the time comes to make one of those life moves, there are people (ahem, like your friendly local real estate agent) who can walk through it with you—without pressure or sales talk.
But for now? Go easy on yourself. That decision you’ve been agonizing over? You’ve got this.
Final Thought: Progress Beats Perfection
Making decisions can feel hard because we want to get it right. But “right” is often a moving target. Instead, aim for thoughtful, intentional, and forward-moving.
Even if it's just choosing what to do with your Sunday afternoon, choosing something—anything—is a step in the right direction.
Now… pasta or tacos?
