#010: Why Smart People Struggle with Decision-Making (And How to Fix It)
You’d think that being smart would make decision-making easier, right? Surprisingly, the opposite is often true. Highly intelligent people overanalyze, second-guess themselves, and get stuck in indecision. The good news? There’s a fix.
In today’s newsletter, I’ll break down why smart people struggle with decisions—and the simple strategies to make faster, better choices with confidence.
What I’m Going to Teach You
The 3 biggest reasons smart people overthink decisions.
A simple decision-making framework that removes doubt.
How to trust your judgment and move forward with confidence.
Why It Matters to You
Every decision you make—big or small—shapes your future. But when analysis paralysis takes over, opportunities slip by, progress slows, and self-doubt creeps in. The ability to make clear, confident decisions is a superpower.
Why Most Smart People Struggle with Decisions
They Overanalyze Every Possible Outcome
The smarter you are, the more what-if scenarios you generate. This can lead to mental exhaustion before even making a choice.
Fix It: Use the 80/20 Rule. Ask: “Will this matter a year from now?” If not, decide quickly and move on.
They Fear Making the "Wrong" Choice
Perfectionism makes smart people hesitant. They want the “right” answer, which leads to indecision and hesitation.
Fix It: Reframe mistakes as data. Instead of fearing the wrong choice, think: “If this doesn’t work, I’ll learn and adjust.”
They Collect Too Much Information
More knowledge is great—until it becomes a decision-making roadblock. Researching endlessly without acting leads to decision fatigue.
Fix It: Set a time limit. Give yourself a deadline to decide. If needed, use a 2-option rule: Choose between only two viable choices instead of overwhelming yourself with endless possibilities.
My System (The 3-Step “Decide and Move” Framework)
Define the Decision’s Impact
Ask: Is this a reversible or irreversible decision?
Reversible? Make a quick decision.
Irreversible? Take your time, but don’t overthink.
Use the 80% Rule
You don’t need 100% certainty to make a good choice. If a decision feels 80% right, go for it. The last 20% is usually perfectionism.
Set a Deadline & Act
Give yourself a time limit to decide.
Take one small action immediately to commit.
Takeaways
Overanalyzing creates mental clutter—simplify your choices.
No decision is permanent. Mistakes = learning opportunities.
Set a time limit to break free from decision paralysis.
My Challenge to You
Think about one decision you’ve been putting off. Set a 24-hour deadline to decide, then take the first action toward it. Let me know—what choice are you making today?
