How to Make Decisions with Clarity and Confidence
- Ivana Marsh

- Jan 17, 2019
- 4 min read

How often do you find yourself stuck in indecision—overanalyzing choices, fearing the wrong decision, or delaying action because you're unsure?
Decision-making can feel overwhelming, especially when the stakes feel high. But the truth is: Clarity doesn’t come from thinking more—it comes from trusting yourself and taking aligned action.
When you learn to make decisions with clarity and confidence, you move forward with ease, reduce anxiety, and create momentum in your life.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
✔ Why decision-making feels difficult
✔ The difference between overthinking vs. true clarity
✔ A step-by-step process to make confident decisions
Why Do We Struggle to Make Decisions?
1. Fear of Making the Wrong Choice
✔ “What if I regret my decision?”✔ “What if I choose wrong and fail?”
✔ “What if something better comes along?”
This fear creates paralysis, but the truth is: There is no perfect decision—only the best choice you can make with the information you have now.
2. Overanalyzing Every Option
✔ Constantly weighing pros and cons without ever deciding.
✔ Seeking excessive external validation before making a choice.
✔ Replaying past mistakes and doubting your ability to choose wisely.
The problem? Overanalyzing keeps you stuck in a loop. Clarity comes when you commit to a decision and move forward.
3. Lack of Self-Trust
✔ Doubting your instincts or intuition.
✔ Second-guessing choices even after making them.
✔ Letting other people’s opinions influence your decision-making.
When you trust yourself, decisions become easier. You stop looking for outside validation and start listening to your own wisdom.
Overthinking vs. True Clarity
Before we dive into the solution, let’s differentiate overthinking from real clarity.
Overthinking | Clarity |
Stuck in endless "what-ifs" | Knows that no decision is permanent |
Focused on avoiding mistakes | Focused on what feels aligned |
Seeking perfection | Accepting uncertainty as part of life |
Feels heavy and stressful | Feels light and aligned |
Your best decisions come when you are in a state of clarity, not fear.
A Step-by-Step Process for Confident Decision-Making
1. Shift from "Right vs. Wrong" to "Aligned vs. Misaligned"
Instead of asking:
❌ “What if I make the wrong decision?”
Ask:
✔ “Does this decision align with my values, goals, and energy?”
✔ “Will this choice bring me closer to or further from my desired life?”
There is no absolute “right” or “wrong” choice—only what aligns with you at this moment.
2. Drop into Your Intuition: The 3-Second Test
Your body knows the truth before your mind does.
✔ Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine choosing Option A.
✔ Now, notice:
Does your body feel lighter, more open, or relieved?
Or do you feel tight, restricted, or uneasy?
Repeat with Option B. The choice that brings more ease and expansion is the one aligned with you.
3. Use the "5x5 Rule" to Reduce Overthinking
Ask yourself:
✔ Will this decision matter in 5 days?
✔ Will it matter in 5 months?
✔ Will it matter in 5 years?
Most of the time, decisions we stress about won’t significantly impact our lives long-term. Let go of perfectionism and choose with confidence.
4. Take Small, Reversible Steps
Instead of stressing over one big decision, take a small, low-risk step in the direction you’re considering.
✔ Thinking of switching careers? Try a short-term project in that field.
✔ Debating moving to a new city? Visit for a few weeks before committing.
✔ Unsure about a new relationship? Take time to observe how it aligns with your energy.
This removes pressure while allowing clarity to emerge through action.
5. Set a Time Limit on Your Decision
✔ If you give yourself unlimited time to decide, you will overthink forever.
✔ Set a deadline and commit to making a choice within that time frame.
For small decisions
→ Give yourself 5 minutes.For medium decisions
→ Give yourself 24 hours.For big life decisions
→ Give yourself 1-2 weeks max.
The more you practice decisiveness, the easier decision-making becomes.
6. Trust That You Can Adjust Your Path
✔ No decision is final—you can always pivot, learn, and adapt.
✔ Instead of fearing mistakes, trust that every choice leads to growth.
Remind yourself:
✔ “I trust myself to handle any outcome.”
✔ “No matter what, I will learn and grow from this decision.”
✔ “I am capable of choosing what’s right for me.”
Confidence comes from trusting that no matter what happens, you will navigate it.
Final Thoughts: Clarity Comes from Action, Not Overthinking
✔ There is no “perfect” decision—only what aligns with you now.
✔ Overthinking drains your energy—clarity comes from trusting yourself.
✔ Every decision teaches you something—growth is never wasted.
The faster you let go of decision paralysis, the faster you step into confidence, clarity, and momentum.
Next Steps
If you struggle with decision-making and want personalized guidance, I offer 1-on-1 coaching to help you:
✔ Break free from overthinking
✔ Strengthen your intuition and self-trust
✔ Make aligned decisions with confidence
[Book a Session]
Your Turn:
What’s one decision you’ve been overthinking?
What step can you take today to gain clarity?





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