When You Don’t Know the Perfect Decision Do This
When the Perfect Decision Doesn’t Exist
When life feels overwhelming, it’s tempting to chase the perfect decision—the one magical choice that will guarantee everything works out. Yet more often than not, real peace comes from taking one small, intentional step forward.
Living in Decision Paralysis
For years, I lived in decision paralysis, constantly second-guessing myself. At home, I could barely choose between sushi or burritos for takeout. At work, I was convinced that one wrong move would get me fired. I thought that if I made the perfect decision every time, I’d be safe.
That mindset left me anxious, exhausted, and on the verge of burnout. And it couldn’t protect me from one of my greatest fears—I got laid off from a job I loved.
One minute I was sipping my daily cup of tea; the next, I was in our conference room being told they no longer needed me. Other than cleaning out my office, I had no idea what my future would hold. My brain raced with questions: Should I apply for another full-time job or look for part-time work? Would remote work or in-person be better for my family right now? Should I start a blog? Change careers entirely?
Two Things That Carried Me
During those first scary weeks, when every decision felt heavy, two things carried me:
- Faith that God had a purpose in this. I’d seen His provision before, and I knew He wouldn’t disappear now.
- My husband’s calm perspective. While I spiraled, he saw the layoff as a door opening, not closing. “Jobs aren’t forever,” he reminded me. “This is your chance to try something new.”
His words changed the way I thought about everything. I realized I had been living as if every choice was carved in stone. But most decisions aren’t forever. Jobs, homes, creative projects—they can all change. And when you let go of the pressure to choose perfectly, you finally feel free to take the next step.
Most Decisions Aren’t as Permanent as They Feel
So many of us hold ourselves back because we believe one decision will define our lives. But the truth? Most choices are just chapters, not the whole story.
I once heard a woman on a podcast talk about her fear of moving to New York City. She imagined all the ways it could go wrong—failure, loneliness, disappointment—until she realized something freeing: “There’s no gate closing behind me. I can always move back.”
That mindset is a game-changer.
Buying a house feels like a forever decision, right? There’s paperwork, moving costs, and so much stress. But if it doesn’t end up being the right house, you can sell it and move on. It’s inconvenient, yes—but not permanent.
The same is true in careers, relationships, and creative projects. I felt that fear when I started this blog. I wanted the perfect niche, the perfect branding, the perfect plan. But the weight of that perfection kept me frozen.
Eventually, I gave myself permission to simply start. I picked a name, launched the site, and hit publish on my first few posts. Were they perfect? Nope. Could it evolve later? Absolutely. And that’s the beauty of taking the next step—you don’t need to know the entire plan to move forward.
Embracing the “Next Right Step” Mindset
Life is unpredictable. Chasing the perfect decision often leaves us paralyzed. Instead, I’ve learned to:
- Take the next right step. Ask yourself, “What is one thing I can do today to move forward?”
- Trust that you can pivot. A wrong turn isn’t failure—it’s feedback.
- Have faith in the process. God works in seasons, and each step, even the small or messy ones, prepares us for the next. What seems insignificant or even annoying now can be critical to your success later.
If you’re standing at a crossroads today, take a deep breath. You don’t need to see the entire road to start walking. Just take the next step and trust in your ability to navigate the journey. You’ve made it this far!
