Making a Decision Quickly: Tools to Help You Get Unstuck
Why We Get Stuck: Root Causes of Analysis Paralysis
Struggling at making a decision quickly? Let’s unpick what’s going on under the surface... Because it’s not just indecisiveness, it’s fear in a trench coat.
😬 Fear of Failure
“If I get this wrong, I’ll regret it forever.”
Real talk: Most decisions aren’t irreversible.
You can pivot, adapt, or laugh about it later. Understanding this is the first step to making a decision quickly.
🎯 Perfectionism
Wanting the “perfect” choice often leads to no choice at all.
Spoiler alert: Perfection doesn’t exist... Except maybe in the Bake Off finale.
Letting go of perfection is essential for making a decision quickly.
📚 Information Overload
Welcome to the Google Spiral...
You start looking up “best jobs for career changers” and three hours later you’re reading about jellyfish that live forever (sorry for adding the link...)
The internet is wonderful, but it is also a distraction minefield. Limiting your research is key to making a decision quickly.
Strategies for Gaining Clarity & Making a Decision Quickly (Without Melting Down)
Right. Let’s get tactical... Here are some quick win strategies to help you in making a decision quickly...
🔍 The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)
The Pareto Principle states that 80% of results come from just 20% of our efforts. So, focus on the 20% of actions that’ll bring 80% of results!
So, in the context of finding a new job and making a career change... Instead of researching every possible job title, maybe just talk to two people who’ve made similar career changes. This approach speeds up making a decision quickly.
⏳ Timebox Your Decisions
Give yourself a deadline: “I’ll decide by Friday, no matter what.” Then honour it like it’s sacred; put it in your diary, light a candle, whatever works.
Timeboxing is one of the most effective ways of making a decision quickly without spiralling.
📆 Set a Mini Deadline
Give yourself 30 minutes to decide the next small step. Not the whole career move... Just one action.
🧠 Good Enough > Perfect
Repeat after me: “Done is better than perfect.”
The goal is to make progress, not win a Nobel Prize in indecision. Accepting “good enough” is also key for making a decision quickly and moving forward.
Tools to Help You Get Unstuck and Assist in Making a Decision Quickly
✅ Decision Matrix
Use a simple Decision Matrix tool to map out your various options, then rate/rank them out of 5 or 10, listing the various pros and cons.
Using structured tools like this makes making a decision quickly much easier.
🧘♀️ Intuition vs. Logic Journaling
Divide your page in two: One side is all the logical reasons for/against something, the other is your gut response.
You’ll often see clarity emerge just from writing it down.
👯 Talk to Someone
Whether it’s a coach, mentor, or that brutally honest friend who never sugar-coats anything, talk it out.
You’re too close to the situation so get a second brain involved.
Not got one? Book a discovery call with me here.
Final Thoughts: Clarity Comes From Action
If you’re waiting to feel 100% certain before making a decision, you’ll be waiting a while.
Clarity rarely comes before action. It comes from action. So instead of aiming for perfect, aim for forward.
One Small Step for You…
If you've been struggling at making a decision quickly, then pick one decision you’ve been stuck on.
Now, set a timer for 10 minutes and use this time to choose the next step...
Even if it’s just researching a course, messaging someone, making a call...
Then just do it. Yes, really. No more overthinking. So, off you go.
P.S. If you're spinning in circles and want someone to help you get unstuck then you can book a free clarity session with me here. Tea and tough love included.
Sarah is a Career Change Coach. She helps women breakthrough and pivot in their career. Whether you're not networking, developing your own work or side hustle! Stop feeling like you don’t know where to start and reach out!
Sarah has a Masters in Psychology and is both accredited by and a member of the British Psychological Society. She has experience working with the military and corporate sector in recovery, transition, leadership, and mentoring.
