4 Strategies for Stress-Free Decision-Making

Every day we are faced with making a number of decisions.

Some of those daily decisions may seem simple; you don't even have to think before you make a choice.

Other times, the decisions you are presented with may take a bit longer before you settle on an option. You may even find yourself procrastinating on making a decision—spending hours researching and pondering through all your options, hoping you will eventually land on the "right" or "perfect" answer.

Think about all the time spent agonizing over those difficult decisions. What if there was a way to make decisions faster and save yourself some time?

Recently, on The ADHD Podcast...

Pete and I were discussing this exact topic. We were exploring the in's and out's around decision-making, and why it is often a difficult task for ADHDers. It turns out, there are a lot of different factors that can play into decision paralysis.

If you haven't had a chance to hear the conversation, I encourage you to take a listen here.

4 Strategies to Stop Decision Paralysis

Today, I wanted to offer you a few different options for strategies to help with the decision-making process, and hopefully make it a little less stressful, while saving you time by helping you make the decision and move on to whatever is next.

1. Flip a coin
   This might sound silly—a solution that is "too easy"—but trust me, there are times when this is the best way to make a choice. When you find yourself going back and forth over two options, where both options are great, no matter what you decide, go to a coin flip.
   
   Assign Heads to Option One and Tails to Option Two. Flip the coin and see whether it lands on Heads or Tails. Once you have your answer, you can move on, with your decision made by the coin flip. However, if you find that the decision on the coin had you wishing for the alternate outcome—then, you know what you really wanted was the other option, and you should go with that one, instead.
   

2. Pros and Cons
   This is a classic tactic to help make a decision. Create a list of pros and a list of cons for each option you are considering. Once you have your lists for each, allow yourself a set amount of time to review the results, then make your choice based on those results.
   
   Note: This option can spiral if you don't put limits on it from the start. Allow a set number of pros and cons to be added to the list. Set a time limit for review. Set a number of pros vs cons you want when making your decision.
   

3. Poll the audience
   Not all decisions can benefit from outside opinions, but there are plenty that can. Present the options to a few friends or family members and ask which one they would choose, and why. You may start to see a trend where many are choosing the same option and it might give you a different perspective you didn't consider before.
   

4. Talk it out
   ADHDers tend to be verbal processors. Have you ever gone to ask someone a question, but as you were explaining out loud, you realized you were able to answer your own question—just by saying it to someone else? This can be a great option for making decisions as well. Ask a trusted friend or family member if they would sit and listen as you verbally process your options. The physical act of explaining what has been going through your mind might be just what you need to find your answer.

Now it's your turn...

I would encourage you to try out some of these decision-making strategies when you're feeling stuck and unable to make a decision. Try a couple different strategies and see which one you like the best. Not every strategy will fit every situation, so don't get discouraged if you aren't able to find the answer on the first try. It's important to keep exploring and experimenting until you find something that works best for you.

Thank you for your time and attention,

Nikki