Authentically Adele

We all have to make decisions, and it can be tricky. I’ve got a confession to make, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. I’m an overthinker, and I bet many of you are too. I’ve realized that overthinking can lead to stress, indecisiveness, and even procrastination. Let me share a little story to illustrate.

Think about something as simple as going to the shops. Sounds like a straightforward decision, right? Well, not for me. When I contemplate going to the shops, my mind goes into overdrive. What time should I go? Will it mess up my other plans? Can I make it back in time for the school run? Will I have enough time to cook dinner? Should I cook dinner first and then dash to the shops? Or should I wait until tomorrow when things are less hectic?

Now, if I do this with everyday tasks, imagine what happens when it comes to more significant life decisions. I go back and forth, trying to cover all the bases. I end up miles away from where I started, lost in a sea of possibilities. I imagine the best and worst-case scenarios. I get tangled up in a web of “what ifs ” and “maybes” that don’t exist outside my mind. The result? I’m left wondering, “How did I get to this point in my thoughts?” Then, indecision settles in because I want the best outcome, but I’m also scared to take that leap. And guess what? Indecision clouds your mind, making it hard to think clearly, which can quickly and easily lead to procrastination.

But today, I want to encourage myself and you to break free from the cycle of overthinking. I’m not saying we shouldn’t think things through; we should, but let’s do it in a more structured way. Let’s not allow our thoughts to overshadow our faith in ourselves and our abilities.

Can you relate to those moments when you held back, never pursued an idea, or stayed silent because you were too afraid of what might happen? We all want our decisions to be perfect, leading to the best results. But here’s the truth – we’re not perfect and will make bad decisions along the way. And that’s okay because that forms part of who we are. Here’s a simple guide that’s helped me keep my thoughts in check and make decisions with more ease:

1. Would God be proud of my decision?

In other words, does my choice align with God’s values and principles in His Word? For those who aren’t religious, this could translate to whether your decision aligns with your core beliefs or personal ethics.

2. Is my decision based on faith or fear?

Check if my choice is rooted in faith and hope or from fear and doubt. Because as a child of God, I am meant to live by faith. Feeling nervous is normal, but I should not let fear hold me back.

3. Am I doing it for myself or because of others?

This aspect emphasizes the importance of authenticity in decision-making. Am I making this decision to fulfil our desires and aspirations, or am I influenced by external pressures, expectations, or the opinions of others? At the end of the day, I am the one who has to live with the decisions I make. So, often, I have to remind myself not to base them on external pressures and expectations. When I base my decisions on what God has told me to do and His Word, I know that I have heavenly help ready to back me up and support me in getting things done. 

4. What do I hope to achieve through this decision?

Clearly define your goals. What’s the outcome you’re aiming for? Having clear objectives can make your decision-making process more straightforward.

Incorporating these questions into my decision-making process keeps my thought process from going off on a tangent. I gain deeper insight, clarify my values and motivations, and ultimately make choices that resonate with my authentic self, leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. It’s a powerful tool to simplify decision-making and find clarity amid life’s complexities. 

Do you have any top questions or guidelines to help your decision-making process? If so, please share below; you never know who might need to hear what you say?