The Art of Effortless Decisions:
Finding Clarity in Choice
Decisions Made Easy
We've all been there—frozen in indecision, whether standing before an open closet contemplating what to wear, or facing life-altering choices about careers, relationships, or relocations.
That paralyzing moment when options swirl around us like autumn leaves in a windstorm, each possibility tugging in a different direction.
When we avoid making decisions—from answering that lingering email to determining whether to move across the country—we're essentially stacking obstacles in our own path.
Picture your living space gradually filling with unopened boxes of unresolved choices, leaving only narrow pathways to navigate.
Each box teeters precariously, threatening to topple at any moment.
But what if I told you that decision-making doesn't have to feel this way?
That regardless of magnitude, all decisions share fundamental components that, once understood, can transform this process from daunting to almost effortless?
Begin with the End: Understanding Action
Let's start where many of us get stuck—the action required after a decision.
This fear often paralyzes us before we've even begun.
When a film director calls "Action!" on set, what follows isn't always an explosive car chase or dramatic stunt.
More frequently, it's a thoughtful conversation, a contemplative walk, or simply opening a door.
Similarly, the actions following our decisions don't need to be earth-shattering.
We often avoid decisions because we anticipate dramatic consequences when, in reality, most actions unfold gently and incrementally. This perspective alone can substantially lighten the decision-making burden.
The Power of "Back to One"
In filmmaking, when a scene doesn't work, directors call "Back to one!"—an instruction to return to starting positions and begin again. This concept translates beautifully to decision-making.
While we can't rewind our lives, we can always reassess, redirect, and begin anew from wherever we are.
This freedom alone removes much of the pressure from decision-making.
Anatomy of a Decision
1. Clarify Your Intent
The single most powerful question when facing any decision is simply: "What is my intent?"
Standing before your closet, are you seeking comfort, confidence, creative expression, or professional presence?
Before changing jobs, is your intent security, growth, fulfillment, or something else entirely?
Intent illuminates everything.
Are you pursuing happiness or rightness? Adventure or security? Peace or excitement? There's no universal "correct" intent—only what's authentic for you in this moment.
Returning to clarity about your true intent is your first "back to one" practice.
2. Embrace Changeability
Perhaps the most liberating aspect of decision-making is realizing you can change your mind.
This isn't flakiness—it's wisdom.
If you're driving north and suddenly realize you meant to go south, would you stubbornly continue in the wrong direction? Of course not! You'd turn around at the first opportunity.
The same principle applies to all decisions.
Grant yourself permission to pivot when needed, always returning to your core intent as your compass.
3. Preview Through Imagination and Visualization
Your imagination is a powerful testing ground for decisions. Before committing, mentally rehearse your choice:
How does this decision feel when you imagine having made it?
Can you visualize yourself thriving with this choice?
What emotions arise when you picture this path unfolding?
This inner preview often reveals insights your analytical mind might miss.
And since these mental rehearsals are private, you can change your imagined choice repeatedly until you find alignment.
4. Separate Decisions from Logistics
We often overwhelm ourselves by bundling too many elements into one massive decision; instead, separate core choices from their implementation details.
Back to our closet example:
First, decide on your outfit based on your intent.
Then address shoes, accessories, and other elements as separate, smaller decisions.
When considering a move, first decide whether relocation aligns with your intent, then address housing, timing, and logistics as distinct choices.
Breaking complex situations into smaller decisions makes each step manageable rather than overwhelming.
Spiritual Foundations for Decision-Making
Remember that worry is essentially praying for what you don't want.
This can never align with your positive intent.
When decisions feel overwhelming, return to the understanding that there is One Intelligence guiding all life, and Its intent is always good.
Trust that if the outcome isn't good, it isn't the final outcome.
What we perceive as the future is always unfolding toward good.
Step into this perception before making decisions.
Movement Creates Possibility
Without decisions, there is no forward movement.
Without movement, there can be no progress or new possibilities.
As Yogi Berra famously quipped, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it."
A decision—any decision—creates momentum.
And with the understanding that you can always reassess and redirect, each choice becomes less a permanent commitment and more a step in your evolving journey.
Practice Makes Progress
Try this approach with minor decisions first:
Clarify your intent
Make a choice aligned with that intent
Separate core decisions from implementation details
Trust your ability to adjust course if needed
Rest in the knowledge that a greater wisdom is guiding all outcomes
As you practice with everyday choices, you'll build decision-making confidence that serves you when facing life's bigger crossroads.
The boxes of undecided matters cluttering your mental living room will gradually clear, creating space for more light, movement, and possibility.
Perhaps most surprisingly, you might discover that decision-making itself becomes not just easier but actually enjoyable—a creative act of shaping your life with intention and trust.
Need help with setting intents? I have a few ideas!
You can read The Intent Course, take the Home Study Intent Course, or spend a day with me to learn more about setting and keeping your intents!