Feeling unsure? Here’s how to make peace with choices
Struggling with decision regret? Learn why it happens, how perfectionism fuels it, and five simple ways to feel confident about your choices.
Ever made a decision—big or small—and then spent hours, days, or even weeks second-guessing it? Whether it’s choosing a career path, what to eat for lunch, or which podcast series to watch, that nagging voice of doubt seems to creep in.
You replay the moment over and over, wondering, Did I make the right choice?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So why does this happen, and more importantly, how can you fix it? Let's find out!
The real reason you’re never satisfied
We live in a world of endless options. From shopping to careers, the choices are infinite, and that’s part of the problem.
When you have too many choices, you tend to overanalyse. You fear missing out on the “perfect” option. This phenomenon is called decision paralysis, and it’s more common than you think. Once you finally make a decision, your brain immediately starts comparing it to all the choices you didn’t make.
Cue regret and dissatisfaction.
Another culprit? Perfectionism. You expect every decision to lead to an ideal outcome. When reality doesn’t match your expectations, disappointment follows. Over time, this cycle becomes a habit: decide, regret, repeat.
The mental trap: “What If?”
The phrase “what if” is one of the biggest enemies of peace of mind. It keeps you stuck in an endless loop of doubt:
- What if I chose the wrong job?
- What if this relationship isn’t the one?
- What if I missed a better opportunity?
These thoughts steal your present joy. Instead of enjoying the outcome of your choice, you’re busy living in a fantasy of what could’ve been. The truth? No decision can guarantee 100% happiness or success. And that’s okay.
5 Ways to break the cycle
Now, the good news is you can train your mind to feel more confident and content with your decisions. Here’s how:
1. Embrace “Good Enough”
Perfection is a myth. Instead of chasing the best decision, aim for a good enough one. Most choices aren’t life-or-death. Trust that you’ve done your best with the info you had.
2. Set a time limit for decisions
Give yourself a deadline. Whether it’s 10 minutes for picking a dinner spot or one week for a job offer, boundaries stop you from spiralling. Remember, fast decisions aren’t careless, they’re efficient.
3. Stop replaying the past
Once a decision is made, move forward. No more “what ifs.” Instead, ask: What can I learn from this? Growth comes from reflection, not rumination.
4. Celebrate your choices
Shift your focus from regret to gratitude. Every decision shapes who you are. Celebrate your courage to choose, even when it wasn’t easy.
5. Practice self-compassion
It’s okay to mess up. It’s okay to change your mind. Be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can with what you know right now.
Final thoughts
Feeling unhappy with your decisions is a sign of your awareness and desire to do well. But constant regret doesn’t help you grow; it only holds you back. So the next time you find yourself stuck in the cycle of second-guessing, pause. Remind yourself that no choice is perfect, and that’s perfectly fine. Trust your gut, give yourself grace, and keep moving forward.
You’re more capable than you think. The only wrong decision is never making one!
