Decide Already: Why You Already Know the Answer

You don’t need more time; you just need to decide.” – Seth Godin

We’ve all been there: stuck between choices, looking for one more piece of information, one more opinion, one more reason to wait. But what if the real problem isn’t a lack of knowledge, but the hesitation to trust ourselves and make a decision?

More Information, Less Clarity?

In 1973, psychologist Paul Slovic conducted a study with professional horse racing gamblers to examine how additional information affects our decision-making ability. In short, the experts were allowed 5 variables the first round, 10 the second, 20 the third, and 40 variables the last round to assist them with their bet. At the end of each round they were asked to share their confidence level as well.

Surprisingly, Slovic found that while people felt more confident with more data, the accuracy of their decisions didn’t improve—in fact, for some it got worse. This reveals a paradox: more information can make us feel more informed but may actually cloud our judgment and delay our decision.

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We live in a time of unlimited data, and it’s tempting to think more research leads to better choices. But in many cases, it leads to indecision. The key is balancing intention with information. Knowing what we want—and what matters to us—can be far more powerful than adding another data point.

Often, I’ve noticed that asking others can complicate a decision rather than clarify it. It reminds me of the saying, “too many cooks in the kitchen.” Not all advice is equal. It’s important to ask the right people—those who guide you back to listening to yourself, not those who pull you in different directions.

I’ve seen this play out in deeply personal areas like shidduchim (matchmaking), where I found myself exploring options that weren’t aligned with my core values. I discovered this early on, but instead of trusting that instinct, I spent an entire day researching a concern that had already given me a red flag. My first reaction was right—but I second-guessed it, and paid the price in wasted time and mental energy.

Even in smaller, everyday decisions—like buying clothes or basketball shoes—I’ve noticed a pattern. I’d find exactly what I was looking for, but hesitate because it cost a little more than I wanted to spend. Eventually, I realized: I’m not just spending money—I’m spending time and mental bandwidth too. Paying a bit more for the right thing, right now, saves energy and ends the search. The same logic applied when I started investing in coaches and specialists. It’s not just about cost—it’s about value and clarity.

Derek Sivers, in his book Anything You Want, puts it simply: “If it’s not a Hell Yes, it’s a No.” If we’re not enthusiastic about a decision, that hesitation might already be the decision

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Trusting Yourself—and Timing

Over time, I’ve realized I usually know what I want to do pretty quickly. So why do I stall? Often, it’s fear—fear of making the wrong choice, fear of judgment, or simply being overwhelmed.

That’s where decision fatigue comes in. Research shows that the quality of decisions declines over the course of the day. One study of judges found that favorable rulings were most likely in the morning (65%), but as fatigue set in, favorable decisions dropped dramatically. By late afternoon, it was nearly zero. This means the when of decision-making matters just as much as the how.

To counter this, I’ve started writing down my decisions—both small and big. Outlining what I need to decide today or this week clears mental clutter and reduces anxiety. It’s also helpful to set things up the night before: choosing clothes, organizing tasks, and minimizing trivial decisions that drain willpower.

As brain coach, Jim Kwik, emphasizes, reducing unnecessary decisions frees up mental capacity for the ones that truly matter.

When to Decide Fast—and When to Wait

Not every decision should be made on impulse. Some do require thoughtful reflection, consultation, and time. But more often than we think, we already know what to do—we just delay doing it.

The challenge is knowing when to pause for clarity and when to stop procrastinating. A helpful rule: if you're delaying just to feel more certain, you might already have your answer. Choose clarity over comfort. Trust your initial reaction. Take action, even when it’s not perfect.

Because in the end, indecision is a decision too—and rarely the right one. As my father often tells me, “it’s not a matter of if you’ll learn, but when you learn.”

Nevertheless, be compassionate with yourself. Compassion is a sure way of trusting yourself.