Break The Cycle Of Overthinking: 5 Steps To Confident Decision-Making For Women

Time To Reinvent: Beverley Glazer

We’ve all been there–staring at two (or more) options, running through every possible outcome, hoping for some kind of sign from the universe that screams, “This is the right choice!” And nothing comes out of it – just more second-guessing or fear that you’ll make the wrong decision.  

Confident decisions are seldom easy, but for some of us, it’s particularly loaded. 

The Cycle Of Overthinking:

We’ve been taught to be practical, to make smart choices, to be sure before taking action. But the truth is that you will never be 100% certain. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t to eliminate uncertainty—it’s to move forward despite it.  

I know this struggle personally and I’ve spent over 35 years helping women to make confident decisions in their careers, businesses, relationships, and major life transitions, and I believe that intuitively all of us know the decision. The problem is that we doubt ourselves. 

 Now, I’m not telling you to be impulsive, but high achieving women are assertive. They don’t wait. They move forward, trusting that they will figure it out along the way.  

If you’re stuck in the cycle of overthinking, here are five ways to start making quicker, confident decisions now. 

1. Stop Seeing Regret as Failure:

 Having regret is not failure, nor is it the enemy lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce the moment you make a wrong move. It’s only proof that you care.  Regret is as a natural part of life. And regardless of what decisions you make, there will be something to gain or lose.  That doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re human.  

 The best you can do is make the most informed choice right now, and trust that you will be capable enough to handle the rest. 

2. Focus on What You’re Gaining:

One of the biggest reasons decision-making feels overwhelming is because you think of what you might miss. But what if you flipped the script? Instead of asking, “What if this is wrong?” ask, “What opportunities will this bring me?  

Look for the choice that excites you. The one that challenges you. The one that moves you closer to who you want to be.  

Every path has trade-offs, but confident decision-making is about seeing the possibilities.

3. Take Off the Pressure:

When you’re an over-thinker, some decisions feel like they will make or break your entire future. But most choices are not that important and as irreversible as they may seem at the time, you can pivot, adjust, and also change your mind.  

Here’s a quick tip I tell my clients to take off the pressure: Ask yourself – Will this matter a year from now? If the answer is ‘no’, stop overthinking it. Many decisions are simply ‘’good enough’’.

The pressure we feel is not from the decision. It’s from the fear of making a mistake.   

4. Believe In Yourself:

Think about all the decisions you’ve made in your life—big and small. The career moves, the friendships, the relationships, the risks.  Even when things didn’t go as planned, you handled it. You adapted. You grew.  

So instead of asking, “What if I make the wrong choice?” try asking, “What if I trust myself to handle whatever happens?” 

Confident decisions are about believing in your ability to navigate whatever life throws your way. 

5. Take the Leap Before You Feel 100% Ready:

The longer you wait, the more doubt creeps in, and the more you analyze, the harder it becomes to choose. But confident decision-making isn’t about certainty—it’s about courage.

Think of it this way: By taking one small step toward the choice, that you’re leaning toward, and you’ll create momentum. You’ll gather feedback and adjust as needed. But if you stay stuck in overthinking, you are guaranteed that nothing much will change.

So, what’s one decision you’ve been overthinking? What’s one move you’ve been afraid to make? 

Take that step today and just like a cat you will land gracefully on your feet and discover that your instincts will not fail you. Overthinking may keep you safe, but confidence doesn’t come from waiting.  It comes from doing. So, take that step to move forward without hesitation and when you take that leap, you will soar. 

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