Navigating Overwhelm: A Blueprint for Decision-Making

I am currently living in a construction zone. At any moment, I could lose power to my computer. Walking around barefoot is prohibited, and no corner of the house is safe from drywall dust. But something else is happening—I'm learning new jargon, becoming deeply invested in the workers' happiness and music choices, and expressing my opinions freely and often. I'm honestly having the time of my life.

There are downsides, of course. The dogs are needier, and we're all crammed into one room. We're only into the third week, so I'm trying to stay realistic. Still, the experience is sparking my creativity, teaching me to manage stress, and reminding me to slow down in a world that often seems to move too quickly. One of the most significant things I've realized is how much I've learned about decision-making.

Maybe my decision-making skills come from being raised by a Libra stellium, or maybe it's just a strong sense of knowing what I like. Regardless, I believe it all comes down to strategy. I've developed some soft and slow rules to help navigate the overwhelming feeling of decision fatigue. And you don't have to be renovating most of your house to understand what that's like.

Here, I'd like to share seven strategies I use when I'm dealing with projects, feeling overwhelmed, or stuck in indecision:

Feel Into It

Overthinking can be a sign that you're not giving enough attention to your emotions. Emotions are felt and expressed in the body. If you notice that you're stuck in a cycle of overthinking or worrying, it might be time to focus less on your thoughts and more on your physical sensations. Start by acknowledging how you feel about the problem. You might be surprised to find that the things that excite you or make you feel emotionally charged could be the solution.

Get Curious

Autopilot decisions can be challenging. Walking the same path will lead you to the same destination. So, to reach a different place, you need to examine your path. An immediate remedy for decision fatigue is the dreaded crowdsourcing. We often rely on the people around us, drawing inspiration from the internet and seeking opinions from our loved ones.

Instead of deferring decisions, I find it helpful to ask myself some questions. Simple yes/no or either/or questions can guide you back onto the right path. We often rely on our logical and analytical side to solve problems, but incorporating our emotions can yield better results.

Questions that help me break free from indecisiveness include:

• Am I overwhelmed or bored?
• How do I want to feel?
• Is there room for fun or should it be quieter?
• What do I like about this?
• What don’t I like about this? 

The answers to these questions don't have to be lengthy journal entries. However, they can guide you to the best solution that's truly yours.

Practice Kindness

Creativity doesn't flourish all the time, just like nothing in nature blooms all year round. Creativity thrives within boundaries, discipline, and focus. It's more about being a vessel for creativity than forcing it to happen. Apply a filter of kindness to everything. Allow yourself time, process things in your own way, sleep on it, and do the fun parts first. Celebrate before it's all finished. Incorporate more intuitive, compassionate rituals into your daily life. This will make your mind a more welcoming place for creativity.

Find Priorities

Being pulled in many different directions is tiring. It can lead to decisions made in haste that we later regret or quick fixes made under pressure. Even though our instincts are usually right, when too many things are happening at once, it's easy to mistake anxiety for intuition. If you're trying to strengthen your decision-making skills, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Finding priorities involves knowing what tasks need to be done and identifying which will have the most positive impact on your progress, outcomes, or life.

Talk it Out

"Let me talk this out" is a phrase I use often. Processing my thoughts out loud helps me understand them better, as if hearing the words outside of my busy mind makes them clearer. Having someone in your life who can listen—who shares similar tastes or values, is very beneficial. This isn't the same as crowdsourcing, but rather relying on a trusted individual to discuss ideas or brainstorm solutions. They might see something that you missed, or you might find the answer as you start to explain. For this to be truly helpful, start the conversation by letting them know that you need to share, and ask if they're able to listen.

Take an Easy Win

Our society always pushes us towards achievement and busyness, but sometimes the smallest steps can lead to the biggest wins. Consider the low-risk choices available to you and make those. Maybe it's not about picking a paint color, but choosing the type of color. Maybe it's not about hanging the art, but taping it on the wall. Maybe it's not about finishing the project, but choosing your fonts. An easy win will set you on the path to alignment. You want the low-stakes choices to build your confidence.

Get Outside

Feeling trapped, both mentally and physically? Spend some time outside. Take a walk, find a sunny spot for a stretch, or dance around while doing some outdoor chores. Just a 10-minute break can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being. There's so much freedom and inspiration in nature that can help your ideas flow, rather than being stuck behind a screen.

It's important to find strategies that work for you. These tips are merely suggestions. Adapt them to fit your unique situation and disregard what doesn't help you. Life is a constant process of learning and adapting—Keep embracing life's challenges, stay curious, and remember to be kind to yourself.