The Corridor of Decision [3 Principles for Tough Choices]

Hey you,

How is your new year going so far?

As the year begins, many of us set clear goals and intentions. Yet one of the biggest reasons people struggle to achieve those goals is not lack of motivation or effort. It is difficulty making the right decisions at the right time.

Decision making is harder than we often admit. To make a good decision, you first need clarity. Clarity about the situation, the options available, and most importantly, clarity about yourself. Without that, even simple choices can feel overwhelming, and important ones get delayed for far too long.

Still, decisions are unavoidable. Some are easy, others deeply uncomfortable. While there is no universal formula for making tough decisions, there are proven principles that can make the process clearer and less draining.

A Personal Reflection

One of the toughest decisions I made last year was leaving my role at Shell to pursue work that aligned more closely with my passion.

Was it the right decision? Time will tell.
Am I glad I made it? Absolutely.

I did not make that decision because I had all the answers. I made it because staying undecided had become more costly than taking action.

Through last year’s podcast conversations, I also spoke with several remarkable people who made difficult choices. Their decisions were grounded in courage, not certainty. Did every decision work out perfectly? No. But each decision created movement, and movement creates learning and growth.

The Hidden Cost of Indecision

Many people spend too much time in what I call the corridor of decision. This is a mental space where people think, analyze, doubt, and postpone action.

In productivity research, this is known as decision paralysis. The longer you stay there, the more energy and momentum you lose. Over time, indecision quietly reduces your ability to execute and make progress.

So how do you move forward when a decision feels heavy?

Here are three practical guides.

1. Let Your Core Values Lead

Your core values are your internal compass. When you are clear about what you stand for, decision making becomes simpler.

For example, if integrity is a core value and an opportunity requires compromising it, the decision becomes clearer even if it is uncomfortable. You either decline the offer or walk away.

The better you know yourself, the faster and more confidently you can make tough decisions.

2. Use Data to Reduce Uncertainty

Good decisions are rarely based on emotion alone. Data, whether from your own experience or from others, helps reduce uncertainty.

This does not guarantee the right outcome, but it provides context and perspective. In productivity science, this is called data informed decision making. It means using evidence to support judgment, not replace it.

3. Take Full Responsibility

Even with values and data, some decisions will still feel risky. That is normal.

The difference between those who move forward and those who remain stuck is ownership. People who accept responsibility for the outcome, good or bad, are far more likely to decide and act.

Progress requires responsibility, not certainty.

Why This Matters

Many people spend their lives stuck in indecision, waiting for clarity that never fully arrives. Meanwhile, time passes and opportunities fade.

My hope for you this year is that you find a clearer, more confident way to make decisions. Not perfect ones, but intentional ones that move you forward.

Because often, the most productive thing you can do
is decide.