How to Make Big Decisions Without Freaking Out

Alex Koupal • June 19, 2025

Because “what if I ruin my life?” is not the vibe.

So, you’ve got a big decision looming over you like a storm cloud that won’t go away. Like being at a crossroads, weighing every possible outcome, overthinking into oblivion. Do I take the job? Move cities? Go back to school? Choose the safe route or not?


No matter who you are, one thing’s for sure: big decisions can feel overwhelming.


But here’s the truth: you don’t have to have everything figured out to move forward.


First things first: Let’s call out what’s really going on

Most of the time, we’re not afraid of making a decision. We’re afraid of making the wrong one.


That pressure to "get it right" can be paralyzing. Especially when it seems like everyone else online knew exactly what they wanted at 12 and now they’re living a Pinterest-perfect life with ocean views and a passive income side hustle.


Spoiler alert: most of them don’t have it figured out either.


5 Practical Ways to Make Big Decisions (Without the Freak-Out)


1. Zoom out.

Will this matter five years from now? Probably not in the way you think. Most choices aren’t permanent; they're just a step forward.  Even the failed ones!


2. Make the invisible visible.

Write it all out: pros, cons, best-case/worst-case. One of my favorite exercises is to write down all the pros and cons on sticky notes.  Then sort them into piles.  Then rank each one with a number 1-5 on how much weight or impact this may have on you…. then add up the totals in each pile.  Sometimes putting a weight or number to three concerns will outweigh the 20 pros.  Your brain loves clarity! 


3. Feel it in your body.

Excitement? Tension? Numbness? Your gut knows stuff. Pay attention. Often times we are taught not to react on gut feelings, but your internal compass usually knows what’s best. 


4. Quiet the noise.

The more people you ask, the messier it gets. Everyone has an opinion but only you know what feels right for your life.  This doesn’t mean you need to bottle it up and keep it to yourself, just be cautious who you seek advice from and how many people you’re sharing with. Make sure they have YOUR best interest in mind and aren’t making judgement calls for you based on their own emotional attachments or interests.

 

5. Take just one step.

You don’t need to leap the whole staircase. Just take one tiny step toward clarity. That’s where confidence starts—right at the edge of action.  Baby steps are movement! 


The Truth About Big Decisions

In most cases, you can’t mess up your entire life with one choice... especially one that is well thought out.  Even if you fail, you can learn, improve, grow and still end up exactly where you’re meant to be.


So whether you’re a mom trying to guide your teen through their next chapter, or a young professional standing at your own crossroads breathe. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a little clarity and the courage to take one step forward.


Need help sorting through your next big decision?
We offer Clarity Sessions a no-pressure space to think out loud, get unstuck, and walk away with a next step that actually feels doable.


Click here to learn more or book your session. Your future self will thank you.

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