Mental Clarity for Leaders—Practical Tips for Focus and Decision-Making
Recently, while teaching a class of seventh graders, I was reminded of a simple, fun way to make decisions: good ol’ rock-paper-scissors. (And for the Friends fans out there, you might even add “water balloon”—IYKYK!) The students were trying to decide who had to present in front of the class, and this lighthearted method helped them quickly settle the matter. While most of us won’t be using rock-paper-scissors for major life choices, it sparked a reflection on how often we face decisions and how those choices—big or small—shape our days and our lives.
It’s believed that we make roughly 35,000 decisions a day. Some are automatic, like flipping on the light when entering a dark room, while others require deeper thought, such as choosing how to lead a team through a challenging period, deciding on a career change, or prioritizing wellness. For instance, consider the choice to wake up early and start your day intentionally with journaling versus hitting snooze and rushing out the door. Which do you think sets a better tone for your day?
Even the act of not making a decision is, in itself, a decision. The question is: are you approaching decision-making with clarity and intention?
Practical Tips for Better Decision-Making
If decision-making feels overwhelming, or if you find yourself second-guessing your choices, these strategies can help you recalibrate and make decisions with greater focus and purpose:
1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep is essential for mental clarity. A well-rested brain processes information more effectively, enabling you to weigh options and make sound choices.
2. Pause and Breathe:
Take a moment to reset. Breathwork, meditation, or mindfulness practices can help calm your mind and improve your focus. Even a brief pause can provide clarity.
3. Journal Your Thoughts
Writing things down can help you untangle complex decisions, identify your priorities, and align your choices with your long-term goals.
4. Know Your Values
When faced with tough decisions, ask yourself, “Does this align with my core values?” This alignment acts as a compass, guiding you toward choices that feel authentic and purposeful.
5. Be Aware of Decision Fatigue
After a long day of making decisions, your mental energy wanes. Try to tackle significant decisions earlier in the day when your mind is at its freshest.
6. Connect and Collaborate
Decision-making doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Talking things through with a trusted mentor, coach, or peer can bring fresh perspectives and new clarity.
The Power of Pausing
This week, make a conscious choice to pause, reflect, and recalibrate before diving into your next big decision. When we create space to think intentionally, we unlock clarity and purpose.
Consider this: How do you currently make decisions? Are your systems serving you, or is there room for improvement? By tinkering with your decision-making processes, you can develop strategies that help you make better choices, faster, and with greater confidence.
If this resonates with you and you find yourself challenged with decision making, I’d love to help. Coaching and masterminds are incredible tools for honing your focus, aligning your decisions with your values, and becoming a more effective leader of yourself and others.
An Opportunity to Connect
I’m excited to announce a new Mastermind Series based on John Maxwell’s book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect. This program will dive into the art of meaningful connection—an essential skill for all leaders navigating today’s fast-paced world. We start February 7th and you must be registered by February 1. Sign up today. https://tinkern.org/connection-is-everything
If you’re ready to lead with focus, purpose, and better decision-making tools, let’s recalibrate together. Be sure to return each week for suggestions on how to recalibrate.
Life is now in session—are you ready to lead it with clarity?
