We spend an inordinate amount of time, and a tremendous amount of energy, making choices between equally attractive options in everyday situations. The problem is, that while they may be equally attractive, there are often tradeoffs that require compromise.

If these mundane decisions drag on our time and energy, think about the bigger ones we need to make, in organizations, all the time. Which products should we pursue and which should we kill? Who should I hire or fire? Should I initiate that difficult conversation?  If so , when should I do it? And how should I start? Should I call them or see them in person or email them? Should I do it publicly or in private? How much information should I share? And on and on . . .

Here are three suggested methods of dealing with decisions:

1.  Use habits as a way to reduce the number of silly little daily decisions. For example: get into the habit of getting up at a particular time in the morning.  Decision-making energy should be saved for more important  things.

2.  Use  ” if/then” thinking to routinize unpredictable choices. For example, let’s say someone constantly interrupts me and I’m not sure how to respond. My if/then rule might be: if the person interrupts me two times in a conversation, then I will say something.

3.  For decisions about complex unpredictable things that some people ponder for weeks and get hung up on, simply set a deadline – say 15 minutes, not a minute more.  The time you save by not deliberating pointlessly will pay massive dividends, reducing your anxiety and letting  you get on with other things.  (Adapted from an article by Jennifer Maravillas, NBR).

I once met a very successful lawyer from New Zealand.  He said, ” A lot of anxiety is generated about decisions.  It’s better to make a decision than no decision at all.  Just think through the pros  and cons, then decide and never waste time regretting what you decided”.  I may have made some clunkers of decisions over the years, but I can’t remember ever thinking, “that was a really stupid thing to do; I wish I could turn back the clock.”  Ah, the clock.  yes, I agree with Ms. Maravillas: give youself 15 minutes, decide, and get on with your life.