This morning, as I was heading out, a few squirrels dashed in front of my car. Not in a
straight shot, mind you—but back and forth, hesitating, darting one way, then the other. It almost looked like they were playing a frantic game of “should I or shouldn’t I?” in the middle of the road.
I paused and let them sort it out. Eventually, they made their way to the other side and scampered off. But it left me thinking—how
often do we act like those squirrels when it comes to making decisions?
When we're disorganized in our thoughts or environment, we can fall into that same back-and-forth dance.
Should I start with the closet or the pantry?
Should I sign up for that class?
Is this the week I finally go through the paper pile on the kitchen counter?
Just like the squirrels, we hesitate, we dart
around, and we second-guess ourselves.
Indecision can be exhausting. It delays progress, keeps our minds cluttered, and creates unnecessary stress. But here's the good news: we don’t have to live in that willy-nilly squirrel mode.
Here are a few ways to stay organized and make more confident decisions:
1. Get clear on your priorities. Before jumping into action, take a moment to decide what matters most today. Is your goal to clear space, save time, reduce stress, or just finally
finish something you’ve started? That clarity helps guide your next move.
2. Create a simple decision checklist. When faced with a choice—big or small—ask yourself:
Is this necessary?
Will it help me feel more at ease?
Do I have the time/energy/resources to do this now?
Even three quick questions can make a huge difference.
3. Don’t overthink the small stuff. Perfectionism loves to throw roadblocks in our path. But not every decision is life-altering.
Pick a drawer to organize. Choose one item to donate. Toss one expired product from under the sink. Action builds momentum.
4. Give yourself a deadline. Decisions that hang in the air tend to weigh us down. Set a timer or write a note: “Decide by Friday.” Trust yourself to make the best choice with the info you
have.
5. Take a breath—and move forward. Sometimes all we need is a moment of calm and a deep breath to stop darting around. Take that breath. Then take that step.
So next time you find yourself doing the mental zig-zag like a squirrel in traffic, remember: you don’t have to dart around in confusion.
Pause, breathe, and pick a direction. You'll feel better once you're moving forward—even if it’s
just one small, organized step at a time.
On another note...
