The cost of indecision on your business (and life)

You're at a restaurant and you're tossing between the fish and the chicken. You're really stuck on it but everyone's staring at you for taking so long, so you choose the fish. As soon as the waiter walks away, you're like damn, I should have ordered the chicken.

Why did it take so long to choose and you're still not happy?

There are big decisions and there are small decisions in life.

Will you be having the chicken or the fish?
Small decision.

Will you elope with me and move across the country?
Big decision.

Whether the decision is big or small doesn't determine how easy it is to make.

Maybe your dinner choice was harder than deciding to elope.

There are moments of certainty and instant decisions when you're sure of what you want and the right thing to do. And then there are moments of uncertainty, resulting in indecision.

But indecision itself is a decision. You're choosing not to decide.

You're scared to make the wrong decision and I get it. Sometimes it should have been the chicken and not the fish. But it's not your last meal (hopefully)...

Indecision costs you valuable time and energy that could be used elsewhere. It's a hassle. Like the chicken and fish example, indecision can be mentally straining on your quality of life.

So how do we remove, or at least reduce these moments of indecision?

Let's delve into how to be more decisive.

Reps

Just like everything else in this life, the more you do something, the less scary it becomes. So the more decisions you make quickly, the easier it will become. Good enough decisions are always better than indecision. Trust your first instinct, it's usually right.

Removing choice

I preach having a routine. The less little decisions you have to make, the better. Things like planning your work and personal life for the week leaves room for important decisions. Meals prepped (or planned), outfits ready for the week, work tasks ready in your planner to be actioned, weekend plans ready (even if it's gaming and takeout, it's planned).

Waking up in a bad mood can also make decisions harder. Routine helps.

Live by values

Every decision goes through your values. My values for 2026 are Honesty, Creativity, Kindness, Courage. If I have to make a decision that impacts my life, they run through these values and I'll decide accordingly.

For smaller decisions, your values could be goals. For example, if your goal is gains at the gym and you're out for dinner, you'll be looking at a high protein option. For Eden, as soon as we sit down at a restaurant, without fail, he will order chicken.

Knowing who you want to be and what you like usually helps for these kinds of decisions. So be strong in your goals and tastes.

Does it even matter?

Like the chicken and fish example, it really doesn't matter. Your life isn't going to change with either choice.

When you're making a decision, ask yourself will this matter next week? In a year? In five? The answer is usually no. Take away the weight these decisions hold over you.

If you have truly life changing decisions to make, talk it out with a couple of people you trust (and who understand your goals). Or make a trusty pros and cons list. That's the best way to nut out a big decision – zoom out and see the bigger picture and what is really important to you.

Know when you shouldn't decide

Sometimes your brain has had enough for the day. The most successful people know when they're not in a state of mind to make decisions. The Hormozis don't make company decisions after 4pm. Have a similar rule and don't make big decisions that could destroy something you've built on a whim. Sleep on it.

When you're in a pinch

Flip a coin; heads or tails for small, quick decisions. This often reveals what you truly want by your reaction. Are you disappointed by heads? Relieved by tails? Go with your gut or just with what the coin gives you. Either options gives you an answer to go with.

Don't live in decision paralysis.
Any decision is better than no decision.
So decide to decide.

With love,
Penelope