Confidence / Stopping Overthinking / Lesson 32

LESSON 32 · STOPPING OVERTHINKING

Decide Faster on Small Things

Thirty-two easy ways to decide faster on small things, so your energy goes to what truly matters.

Small choices should be quick. Save your mind for big ones.

40 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

40 tips that really help

These ideas come from Chatter (Ethan Kross), Don’t Believe Everything You Think (Joseph Nguyen), The Untethered Soul (Michael Singer), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Small choices should be quick

Every decision costs a little mental energy. Spending it on lunch, colours or which film to watch leaves less for what matters. Setting simple rules for small choices frees your mind for big ones.

TRY THIS
Decide one small thing in under ten seconds today.

TIP 2

Sort decisions by size

Small, medium, big.

TRY THIS
Label three.

TIP 3

Give small choices a time limit

Ten seconds for lunch.

TRY THIS
Count down.

TIP 4

Use the first good option

Satisficing, choosing “good enough”, tends to feel better than maximising, according to research by Barry Schwartz and colleagues.

TRY THIS
Pick the first that works.

TIP 5

Use a default

“I usually order the chicken.”

TRY THIS
Choose defaults.

TIP 6

Use a rule

“Monday is pasta.”

TRY THIS
Write rules.

TIP 7

Use a coin

Flip it and notice your hope.

TRY THIS
Try.

TIP 8

Use a list of favourites

Keep go-to restaurants and meals.

TRY THIS
Write five.

TIP 9

Use a uniform

Limit wardrobe choices.

TRY THIS
Choose basics.

TIP 10

Use a menu plan

Plan the week’s meals.

TRY THIS
Plan Sunday.

TIP 11

Use a "two options" rule

Narrow to two, then choose.

TRY THIS
Cut the rest.

TIP 12

Use someone else

“You choose.”

TRY THIS
Delegate.

TIP 13

Use the "will I remember?" test

If not, choose fast.

TRY THIS
Ask.

TIP 14

Use the "reversible?" test

If yes, go.

TRY THIS
Ask.

TIP 15

Don't research small things

Skip reviews for cheap items.

TRY THIS
Set a limit.

TIP 16

Don't compare endlessly

Set a limit of three options.

TRY THIS
Cap it.

TIP 17

Don't regret small choices

Move on.

TRY THIS
Say “good enough”.

TIP 18

Don't ask everyone

Too many opinions slow you.

TRY THIS
Ask one.

TIP 19

Notice the energy saved

Track how your day feels.

TRY THIS
Note it.

TIP 20

Save time

Add up minutes saved.

TRY THIS
Estimate.

TIP 21

Scene: choosing food

Pick quickly.

TRY THIS
Eat.

TIP 22

Scene: choosing clothes

Prepare the night before.

TRY THIS
Lay out.

TIP 23

Scene: choosing a film

Take turns.

TRY THIS
Alternate.

TIP 24

Scene: choosing a gift

Set a budget and go.

TRY THIS
Buy.

TIP 25

Scene: choosing a gift card message

Short and warm.

TRY THIS
Write.

TIP 26

Scene: choosing a seat

Sit.

TRY THIS
Done.

TIP 27

Scene: choosing a route

Use the map.

TRY THIS
Go.

TIP 28

Scene: choosing a replies

Short and kind.

TRY THIS
Send.

TIP 29

Scene: choosing a paint colour

Use a sample and decide by a date.

TRY THIS
Set it.

TIP 30

Scene: choosing a phone case

Done in five minutes.

TRY THIS
Click.

TIP 31

Scene: choosing a weekend plan

Pick one activity.

TRY THIS
Commit.

TIP 32

Practise daily

Make a small decision fast.

TRY THIS
Try.

TIP 33

Praise yourself

Quick decisions are a skill.

TRY THIS
Say well done.

TIP 34

Slow down for big ones

Keep careful thought for important choices.

TRY THIS
Reserve.

TIP 35

Sleep on big ones

A night helps.

TRY THIS
Wait.

TIP 36

Ask values on big ones

What matters?

TRY THIS
List.

TIP 37

Be kind

You can change your mind.

TRY THIS
Relax.

TIP 38

Be patient

Habits take time.

TRY THIS
Keep going.

TIP 39

Seek help

If indecision is severe, see a professional.

TRY THIS
Reach out.

TIP 40

Close with ease

Say, “Small choices, quick and light.”

TRY THIS
Write it.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.

DECIDE

“I will pick this one.”

LIMIT

“I will choose in two minutes.”

TRUST

“Either choice will be fine.”

MOVE

“Let me go with my first pick.”

ACCEPT

“Good enough works.”

CLOSE

“Done, and I feel free.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Set a time limit

DAY 2
Limit your options

DAY 3
Use a rule

DAY 4
Choose and move on

DAY 5
Do not look back

DAY 6
Save energy

DAY 7
Review rarely

Further reading

• Chatter (Ethan Kross)
• Don’t Believe Everything You Think (Joseph Nguyen)
• The Untethered Soul (Michael Singer)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.