I used to spend an absurd amount of time agonizing over the smallest decisions. Whether it was choosing a restaurant for dinner, picking a new pair of shoes, or even deciding what to watch on Netflix, I found myself stuck in a loop of indecision.
My mind would race through all the possibilities, weighing the pros and cons as if each decision was life-altering. It didn’t help that I constantly feared making the “wrong” choice, and this only fed my anxiety.
What I didn’t realize then was how much energy I was wasting on things that truly didn’t matter. Over time, it became clear that this habit of overthinking small decisions was part of a broader pattern of anxiety and stress that was quietly dictating my life.
After hitting a breaking point, I knew I needed to find a way to break free from this cycle. Here’s what I discovered and how I stopped letting the small stuff consume me.
Why We Overthink Small Decisions
Overthinking small decisions often stems from a fear of making mistakes or missing out on the best possible outcome. It’s common for those of us who deal with anxiety or perfectionism. When faced with choices, our brains try to predict every possible outcome, thinking that by overanalyzing, we can somehow guarantee success or satisfaction.
In reality, this only creates stress and indecision. The more we think about something, the more daunting it becomes. Suddenly, what should have been a quick choice—like what to wear or what to order for lunch—feels like an overwhelming task. And while we’re stuck in decision paralysis, we’re wasting time and mental energy that could be better spent elsewhere.
The Psychological Toll of Overthinking
I began to notice that my overthinking was affecting more than just my decision-making process. I felt mentally drained and found it difficult to concentrate on important tasks because my brain was constantly working overtime on the small stuff. This stress even started to affect my confidence. I began doubting my ability to make decisions in other areas of my life, which only fed the cycle of overthinking.
It wasn’t until I started paying attention to these patterns that I realized how much it was holding me back. But thankfully, there are practical strategies to break free from this cycle, and implementing them has made a world of difference.
5 Simple Strategies to Stop Overthinking Small Decisions
Set a Time Limit for Decisions
One of the best ways I’ve found to stop overthinking is to give myself a deadline for making small decisions. I used to let my mind wander for ages, but now I set a timer—two minutes for most decisions, five minutes for slightly bigger ones.
If I can’t decide within that time, I go with my gut instinct. It sounds simple, but forcing myself to make a choice under time pressure has drastically reduced the amount of time I waste deliberating.
Accept That “Good Enough” Is Enough
The idea of always needing to make the perfect decision is what traps many of us. I had to remind myself that there is no perfect answer for most of the small decisions I obsess over. If the outcome isn’t going to significantly impact my life, then a decision that’s “good enough” is perfectly fine.
I don’t need to find the best restaurant every time I go out for dinner or wear the most fashionable outfit. Once I embraced this mindset, I felt a huge sense of relief.
Limit Your Options
One thing I learned is that having too many options can be paralyzing. If I spend 20 minutes deciding between five different restaurants, I’m wasting precious mental energy.
Now, I limit my options before I even start deciding. I narrow it down to two choices and pick from there. This can apply to everything from shopping to weekend plans.
Trust Your Instincts
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to trust my instincts. Overanalyzing often leads to second-guessing myself, but I’ve noticed that when I go with my gut, things tend to work out just fine.
I realized that I don’t need to gather all the information or weigh every possible outcome to make a good decision. Trusting my instincts has saved me from the stress of overthinking countless times.
Practice Letting Go of the Outcome
I used to believe that if I made a “wrong” decision, it would lead to regret or dissatisfaction. But in reality, most small decisions don’t have a lasting impact.
I began to practice letting go of the outcome and reminding myself that even if I choose something that isn’t ideal, it’s not the end of the world. This shift in perspective helped me stop obsessing over minor choices.
The Power of Taking Action
Ultimately, the best way to stop overthinking is to take action. Every time I take a small step forward and make a choice—even if it’s not perfect—I prove to myself that I can trust my decisions.
Over time, I’ve found that my anxiety around decision-making has diminished, and I’m able to move through life with more ease.
If you find yourself stuck in an overthinking loop, remind yourself that small decisions don’t need to be perfect. Make the choice, move on, and give yourself the mental space to focus on the bigger picture.