How do we make better decisions, ones we can stand behind without that lingering feeling of doubt?
Let’s talk about decisions! They shape everything, yet we don’t talk enough about how we make them. Some decisions come easy. Others take everything we’ve got. I’m not talking about the “what’s for dinner” kind of decisions, but the ones that carve out who we are becoming, change our businesses and can often keep us up at night.
The truth is that the decision-making process, especially for women, can be a little loaded. We carry layers of expectations, past experiences and the pressure to get it right. While the world tells us to be decisive and bold, we’ve also been conditioned to second-guess our instincts, people-please, and delay action in the name of being “sensible”.
So how do we make better decisions, ones we can stand behind without that lingering feeling of doubt? Here’s what I’ve learned, both from my own life (hello, Taurus) and from coaching hundreds of women through big, brave changes.
1. Know what you value.
Good decisions are, in fact, rarely about right vs. wrong. They’re about alignment. When you’re really clear on your core values, they should become the lens through which all future and important decisions should be made. You do this by regularly asking yourself, ‘does this decision honour what I say matters most to me, right now?’ If it doesn’t, then you already have your answer.
2. Decide from where you want to be, not where you are now.
How often do you make decisions based on your current fears, your limitations, or instead of what you truly want? If you really do want to grow and expand in your business or life, you are going to have to start making decisions from your next-level self. Think about this. What would the version of you who already has the thriving business, freedom-based life or the confident voice choose? Start choosing from her.
3. Feelings first, logic later.
We’re taught to rationalise everything, to make decisions based on facts, on spreadsheets, timelines and to-do lists, but the best decisions usually start with a feeling, a gut pull, a full-body yes. Learn to let the feeling lead, then let logic back it up. If the feeling is off but the logic is sound, then there’s a good chance that’s a no. If the feeling is a yes, but the logic is fuzzy, then consider getting support to ground it, but please never override your inner knowing just because it doesn’t make sense on paper. Keep going back to how it makes you feel and pay attention to what it’s telling you.
4. There’s no such thing as a perfect decision.
Let’s all promise right now to release the pressure to always make the “perfect” decision. Because spoiler alert – there really isn’t one. Every decision brings growth, clarity, and direction, even if it’s not the outcome you expected. The only way to really get stuck is by not choosing at all. Decide. Move. Learn. Repeat.
5. Build a ritual around decision-making.
This is where soul meets strategy. Decision-making gets easier when you make it sacred or intentional. Take yourself somewhere quiet. Light a candle. Journal it out. Breathe. Get still. Ask yourself what you need, not what everyone else thinks you should do, not what you normally do, but what it is you need right at this moment in your life. This isn’t indulgent. It’s leadership.
6. Don’t outsource your power.
It can be all too easy to ask everyone else what they think – your best friend, your coach or the Internet – but if you’re constantly handing your power over to others, you’ll always doubt your own voice. Take responsibility and go inward. Check in with your gut first, then ask yourself, am I looking for guidance or permission? Only one of those is helpful.
This decision that you’re mulling over, the crossroads you’re gently avoiding, that nudge you keep circling back to – deep down, you already know what you want to do. You just need to trust yourself enough to choose. If you need support, structure, or a sounding board to back yourself fully, speak to a trusted friend or find yourself a mentor or coach, because while decision-making is an inside job, you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s the truth: the most powerful decisions are rarely the loudest ones, they’re the quiet, steady choices that say, “I’m backing myself now.” So, take the pause, listen in, trust what rises. Your next step doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be yours.
Niamh Ennis is a leading transformation coach and business mentor who, through her private practice, mentoring programmes and business workshops, supports women to achieve clarity, build confidence, and master the strategies needed to elevate in life and business. She’s the Lead Coach in The IMAGE Business Club. Join Niamh’s free Masterclass ‘TheChangeMakers Series on June 11 here, niamhennis.com.
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