Why some people make decisions easily (and how you can too)

We all know someone who seems to make decisions quickly and confidently, while the rest of us agonise over every option. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in analysis mode or avoiding decisions altogether, you’re not alone.

Working with leaders and professionals, I see this all the time. And here’s the good news: decision-making isn’t about being naturally decisive – it’s about developing the right mindset, environment, and tools.

Let’s break down why decision-making feels so hard sometimes and what you can do to improve it. 

What gets in the way of clear decision-making?

Most decision struggles boil down to two areas: the conditions you’re working with (what I call inputs) and what’s at stake once you’ve made the decision (outputs).

Input barriers:What makes it hard to even get started?

• Confidence gaps. When self-doubt is high, even small choices feel loaded. You might second-guess your instincts or worry about how others will judge your decision.
• Missing information. You can’t choose wisely if you don’t have the facts. From policy changes to practical details (like how quickly those event tickets sell out), uncertainty keeps us stuck.
• Resource constraints. Time, money, energy – all of these impact our ability to follow through. When you’re stretched thin, every decision can feel like too much.
• Role confusion. This is especially common in teams. If it’s unclear who owns the decision, everyone hesitates. Delays creep in because no one feels confident taking the lead.

Output pressures: What makes committing feel risky?

• Fear of getting it wrong. The higher the stakes, the harder it is to move forward. When accuracy feels essential – whether it’s a career move or a financial decision – we freeze, trying to find the “perfect” answer.
• Worrying about the fallout. Concern over consequences – real or imagined – can lead to complete avoidance. You might worry about how others will react or fear the discomfort of making a mistake.

Practical ways to strengthen your decision-making muscle

If this sounds familiar, here are some simple but powerful ways to move forward:

• Clarify the decision’s importance. Ask yourself: Is this reversible? If the answer is yes, you can probably afford to decide more quickly. Not every choice needs a spreadsheet.
• Break the decision into smaller steps. Don’t aim for the final answer all at once. Start by gathering information, booking a conversation, or listing your priorities.
• Create space to think. Decision fatigue is real. Build in regular time for reflection – whether that’s a quiet walk, a coaching session, or simply stepping away from your inbox.
• Map out your options visually. Use tools like mind maps, pros/cons lists, or decision trees to bring clarity. Sometimes it’s easier to spot the best choice when it’s laid out clearly.
• Ask: What’s really holding me back? Fear of judgment? Not wanting to disappoint someone? Uncertainty about your own values? Naming the blocker takes away its power.

How coaching can help

Coaching gives you a structured space to explore your options without pressure or bias. Coaches don’t tell you what to do, but I do ask the questions that get to the heart of your hesitation.

Through coaching, you can:

• build trust in your own judgment
• explore scenarios in a confidential, supportive setting
• develop strategies for tackling both personal and professional decisions
• reconnect with your values so that choices feel more aligned
• practise decision-making until it becomes more natural

Decisiveness isn’t about always knowing the answer. It’s about developing the courage, clarity, and confidence to move forward, even when things feel uncertain.

If decision-making has become a drain on your energy or progress, perhaps it’s time for a different kind of support. Reach out to a professional and start making decisions with confidence.