Decision making can be such a challenge, especially if you struggle with anxiety. There can be so much stress about choosing the right thing, weighing the options and worrying about the path not taken.

When you’re grappling with a choice, here are 5 things that you can do to make the process a little bit easier.

Take your time

The vast majority of decisions aren’t urgent. Most of the time, it’ll be fine for you to take a beat and think things over carefully before making a selection.

If possible, you should take a bit of time rather than making a snap decision. Urgency and anxiety can cloud your ability to think logically, access your emotions and properly deliberate over the decision at hand. To ensure that you’re making your choice from an honest, calm and considered space, don’t rush. Give yourself time to think, and take breaks from decision making before reaching your choice.

Check in with your gut

We usually have a feeling in our body when something is right or wrong for us. You can use this embodied wisdom to help with decision making.

First, consider something that you know is definitely true. Sit with that thought for a moment and note what you feel in your body. Where does the sensation sit? Does it feel hot or cold? Heavy or light? Does it tingle, buzz or radiate?

Now, think about something that you know isn’t true or right. Do the same thing, consider how your body responds and the way this sensation sits in your body.

Now that you have a clear idea of what “right” and “wrong” feel like in your body, you can use this as an internal compass. Test different options and see what comes up. Are there any that feel clearly right or wrong?

Consider costs vs benefits

People often talk about weighing the pros and cons when making a choice. But rather than weighing the positives and negatives, it can be better to consider the costs and benefits of each option. What will this add to my life? How will it make my life better, or move me closer to a bigger goal? Is it in alignment with my values? What will it cost me in terms of time/energy/money/relationships/opportunities? And is the cost worth the benefit?

Be honest with yourself

I work with a lot of people who are making big choices. One thing I’ve noticed is that most people come to therapy already knowing what they want to do, but they need someone to tell them that it’s ok to make that choice. I see plenty of clients who know, deep down, what the right decision is but something about it seems too frightening or risky. Or perhaps they’re worried about seeming selfish or hurting someone’s feelings. Usually, all it takes is for them to feel safe and accepted and then they can admit that they actually already know the choice they want to make.

Take some time to be honest with yourself. Have you already made your choice, but are holding back for some reason?

Consider the best case scenario

It’s normal to consider all the things that could go wrong when making a choice. You might be really drawn to one particular option, but end up feeling frozen by the fear of the worst case scenario. When you consider the outcome, it’s only fair to also consider the best case scenario. Ask yourself, “What if this works out exactly how I want?” and think about what that could lead to. That’s not to say that you should ignore the dangers and pitfalls, but don’t let fear of these possibilities get in the way of taking a risk that could genuinely lead you directly to the life you’ve been hoping for.

Decision making can be really challenging, and it can be helpful to talk to someone trustworthy and non-judgemental. Counselling is a great tool to help you with big decisions. I can listen to the options, help you to weigh them up without judgement or pressure and provide creative solutions that you may not have considered. I can support you to find the best choice for you, and empower you to carry it out and move towards positive change.