How to Master Your 35,000 Daily Decisions

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Did you know the average person makes around 35,000 decisions a day? Many of these choices are made on autopilot, but they shape your life, success, health, and happiness. In my research and then my subsequent national bestseller The 6% Club, I explored how building winning habits can significantly reduce the number of daily decisions you face, freeing up mental energy to focus on what truly matters. Today, I’ll guide you on how to take charge of these decisions and make the best choices for yourself.

What is Decision-Making?

At its core, decision-making is the process of choosing between two or more possible actions. You engage in decision-making constantly—deciding what to wear, where to go, and what goals to pursue. Each decision contributes to your journey, and being mindful of this process can help you navigate life more effectively.

Why Is It Hard to Make Decisions?

Several factors can make decision-making feel overwhelming:

- Limited Information: Often, you don’t have all the data you need to make the "perfect" decision, which can hold you back.

- Fear of Failure: The anxiety of making the wrong choice can leave you paralyzed in indecision.

- Unclear Priorities: When you're unsure about your values or goals, every decision can feel daunting.

However, the good news is that mastering the decision-making process is a skill that can be developed.

The Advantages of Great Decision-Making

When you make better decisions, everything in your life improves:

- Achieve Your Goals: Informed decisions help you choose the best path to your desired outcomes.

- Avoid Problems: You’ll be better equipped to foresee challenges and make choices that minimize risks.

- Increase Happiness: Aligning your decisions with your values leads to greater fulfillment and confidence.

How to Make a Winning Decision in 7 Steps

Let’s explore a practical system for better decision-making:

1. Acknowledge the Volume of Decisions: With 35,000 decisions a day, understanding this sheer volume is the first step in taking control.

2. Avoid Decision Fatigue: Tackle important decisions when your energy levels are high, usually earlier in the day.

3. Use The 0-10 Rule: Rate your options on a scale from 0 to 10. A “10” indicates the decision is critical to your life, while a “0” holds little significance.

4. Overcome Analysis Paralysis: Narrow your options down to two choices, using the 0-10 Rule to guide you.

5. Accept Your Choices: Once a decision is made, stand behind it. Understand that making a mistake is okay—every choice is a learning opportunity.

6. Trust Your Gut: Combine logic with intuition. Your gut feeling can often help you navigate difficult choices.

7. Take Action: Once you identify your “10,” take immediate action. This clarity will empower your journey.

Tools to Improve Your Decision-Making

Here are some simple tools to enhance your decision-making process:

- The 0-10 Rule: This straightforward system keeps you focused on what truly matters (in other words, your 10s).

- Decision Journals: Track your decisions, including the reasons behind them and the outcomes. Over time, reviewing your journal can help you identify patterns and improve your process.

In The 6% Club, I go deeper into how establishing winning habits can drastically cut down on daily decision fatigue. By creating routines and systems in your life, you can automate choices that drain your energy, allowing you to focus on critical decisions that truly impact your goals.

By mastering your daily decisions, you’ll reduce stress and bring more clarity and confidence into your life. Take control of your 35,000 daily choices, and watch how your life aligns with your goals.

Pledge today to be more intentional with your decisions and take charge of your future.

Your future self will thank you!

Yours always,

Dr. Michelle Rozen

The Change Doctor