Ever stare at two options, paralyzed by the fear of choosing wrong? Me too. We all face moments when making a decision, big or small, feels like standing at a crossroads in the dark. That nagging doubt, the "what if" playing on repeat, can keep us stuck and drain our peace.
I’ve been there so many times. Whether it was choosing to finally break free from unhealthy habits that held me back, like binge eating or endless gaming sessions, or making big life changes like committing to a healthier lifestyle. The uncertainty can feel heavy. But I learned that confidence in our choices isn't something we're born with. We build it, little by little, one thoughtful step at a time.
It’s a process. It’s about learning to trust yourself, trusting God, and understanding that every choice, even the "wrong" ones, offers a chance to grow. If you’re ready to move past indecision and step into your choices with more assurance, I’ve got some practical ways we can do it together. Here are 20 ways to build confidence in your choices.
Laying the Foundation for Strong Choices
Before you even make a choice, you can set yourself up for success.
- Know Your Values. What matters most to you? When you understand your core beliefs, like my commitment to my Christian Orthodox faith, choices become clearer. They align with who you are.
- Pray for Guidance. For me, turning to God in prayer before a big decision is essential. I ask for clarity and wisdom. This helps me feel less alone and more grounded.
- Gather Information, Not Overwhelm. Do your homework. Research, ask questions, but know when to stop. Too much information can just make things more confusing.
- List Pros and Cons. This classic method works. Write down the good and bad for each option. Seeing it on paper often brings perspective.
- Understand Your "Why." Why do you need to make this choice? What outcome do you hope for? Knowing your motivation adds weight to your decision.
- Consider the Long-Term Impact. Will this choice serve your goals next week? Next year? Five years from now? Thinking ahead can reveal the true value of a path.
Making the Leap: From Thought to Action
Once you've done your groundwork, it's time to move.
- Start Small. When I decided to overcome gaming addiction, I didn't quit cold turkey. I chose to play 30 minutes less each day. Those small, manageable choices built my confidence for bigger steps.
- Trust Your Discernment. After prayer and consideration, sometimes you just get a strong feeling. That inner nudge, guided by God, often points the way.
- Remember Past Successes. Think about a time you made a good choice and it paid off. You have a track record of good decisions. Remind yourself of that strength.
- Ask for Trusted Counsel. Talk to someone you respect. A spiritual father, a wise elder, or a close friend who shares your values can offer valuable insights.
- Visualize the Outcome. Imagine yourself making the choice and feeling good about it. See the positive results. This isn't about magic; it's about mentally preparing.
- Focus on Action Over Perfection. You don't need a perfect plan. You need a plan and the courage to start. Action clarifies things more than endless planning ever will.
- Give Yourself a Time Limit. Don't let indecision drag on. Set a deadline for when you'll make the choice. This pushes you to finalize your thoughts.
- Identify Reversible vs. Irreversible Choices. Some decisions have lasting consequences. Others can be easily changed if needed. Knowing the difference can reduce pressure.
Growing Stronger Through Your Decisions
Confidence isn't just about making the choice; it's about how you navigate the path afterward.
- Embrace Imperfection. No choice is perfect. There will always be trade-offs. Accept that and move forward. When I lost over 110 pounds, I learned quickly that perfection wasn't the goal. Small, consistent choices added up, even with occasional setbacks.
- Learn from Mistakes. If a choice doesn't work out, don't beat yourself up. See it as a learning opportunity. What did this teach you? How can you apply that next time?
- Celebrate Small Wins. Every time you make a choice and follow through, acknowledge it. That's a win. When I started building my productive routine with short bursts of deep work, celebrating finishing a two-hour block gave me fuel for the next one.
- Set Healthy Boundaries. Sometimes choices involve saying "no" to things that don't serve you. Protecting your time and energy helps you make better choices for yourself.
- Reflect on Outcomes (Without Dwelling). After a choice plays out, take a moment to reflect. What went well? What could be different? Then, let it go. Don't dwell on what-ifs.
- Give Yourself Grace. We are human. We make choices that don't always pan out as we hoped. Extend yourself the same kindness and understanding you would a friend. My journey of strengthening my Christian Orthodox faith has taught me so much about God’s grace and the importance of extending that same grace to myself. It reminds me that even when I stumble, I am still loved and can always turn back.
Building confidence in your choices is a lifelong journey. It’s not about being fearless, but about acting despite the fear, trusting in God's plan, and learning with every step.
What’s one small choice you can make today to start building your confidence? Take that step. You’ve got this.
