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READ TIME: 3 MINUTES

Every day, you make thousands of choices. Some seem small—what to eat, when to check your phone, whether to hit snooze. Others? They change everything.

Because every choice is a vote for the person you’re becoming.

• The job you took (or didn’t).
• The boundary you set (or didn’t).
• The risk you embraced (or avoided).

The life you’re living right now? It’s built on past choices. And the future version of you? That depends on the choices you make today.So the real question isn’t “What do I want?” The question to ask yourself is:
“Am I choosing in alignment with the life I want to create?”

The Science of Choice

Our brains make over 35,000 decisions per day, according to a variety of sources, including Psychology Today who breaks it down to about 2,000 decisions per hour. While many are automatic—what to wear, how to respond to an email—others are more complex and can significantly impact our future.

The Paradox of Choice, a concept explored by psychologist Barry Schwartz, suggests that having too many options can lead to analysis paralysis. When we overthink decisions, we often default to what feels comfortable rather than what truly aligns with our goals.

So how do we make decisions with clarity and confidence? By focusing on the small, intentional choices that guide us toward our bigger vision.

Micro-Choices Matter

Big decisions can feel overwhelming. But life isn’t just shaped by the massive, make-or-break moments—it’s shaped by the small, everyday choices that compound over time.

This week, before saying yes to anything, pause and ask yourself:

• Does this move me closer to my vision?
• Am I choosing from confidence or from fear?
• What am I saying no to by saying yes?

The little choices shape the big ones. Choose with intention.

The “Yes” That Changed Everything

Years ago, I had a choice to make. I felt pulled toward writing, coaching, and creating something of my own. But I was comfortable. Safe.

I started a blog called Wicked Cool Women. Without even promoting it, it gained traction. People from all over the world began to connect with me. It freaked me out. After six months, I shut it down.

Then one day, I realized something: staying the same was also a choice.

So I chose differently. I chose to write. I chose to lead myself first. I chose to step into the unknown.

And that one decision? It changed everything.

The thing about choice is not knowing exactly where the road leads. It’s scary and exciting. And it’s about deciding—making the choice—to move forward.

Decision-Making Frameworks to Guide You

If making intentional choices feels daunting, try using one of these frameworks:

1. The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)

80% of outcomes come from 20% of actions. Ask yourself: What small decisions will create the biggest impact? Prioritize those.

2. The “Hell Yes” Rule

If a decision isn’t a “Hell Yes!”, it’s a no. This helps eliminate half-hearted choices that drain energy and keep you stuck.

3. Regret Minimization Framework (Jeff Bezos’ Decision Model)

Ask yourself: “At the end of my life, will I regret not having done this?” If the answer is yes, go for it.

Own Your Choices This Week

This week, be intentional about what you’re choosing: 

• What’s one choice I’ve been avoiding?
• Where am I choosing by default instead of by design?
• What’s one small decision I can make today that aligns with my future self?

Every choice is a chance to realign. What will you choose today?

Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what intentional choice you’re making this week.

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