When faced with a particularly difficult decision, many people, perhaps even most people, decide not to decide. What they don’t understand is that it IS a decision, it is a decision to do nothing, to maintain the status quo, and to “just see what happens.”

It is surrendering control over their circumstances. It is hoping for the best rather than strategizing and planning to give “the best” a better chance of actually happening.

But deciding can be hard, especially when you’re making major life, career, or business decisions. It gets even harder when, for whatever reason, you have a limited amount of time to make the decision. The pressure, at times, can be overwhelming.

But decisions must be made nonetheless. The good news is that YOU can make them!

While making tough decisions under pressure can be challenging, having a pre-planned structured approach to decision-making helps ensure better outcomes. Here’s a step-by-step process you may want to consider using when faced with a pressure-packed decision.

1. Stay Calm and Centered

Take a moment to pause and breathe. Stress can cloud judgment, so centering yourself helps you think more clearly.

If time permits, step away from the immediate pressure to gain perspective. Even a 30- minute break can make a big difference.

2. Clarify the Goal

Identify what outcome you want to achieve. If you don’t have an identifiable outcome, then back up and figure out where you want to go, before you pick a path to get there.

Ask yourself: What is the ultimate objective? What problem am I solving?

3. Prioritize the Key Factors

Focus on what matters most in the decision. Great decision-makers know that while details matter, not all details are created equal.

Consider factors such as time sensitivity, risks, long-term impacts, and alignment with your values or goals.

4. Gather Critical Information

Seek out the most essential information available within the time constraints.

Avoid analysis paralysis by focusing on what is necessary, not every detail.

5. Weigh the Options

List the possible choices and their potential outcomes.

Use a pros and cons list or a simple ranking system to evaluate each option objectively.

6. Trust Your Instincts and Experience

Under pressure, you may not have time to deliberate for long. Trust your instincts, especially if you’ve faced similar situations before.

Leverage past experiences and lessons to guide your decisions.

7. Consider the Worst-Case Scenario

Ask yourself: What’s the worst that can happen? Can I live with it?

If the consequences are manageable, it can reduce anxiety about making the wrong choice. Remember that it is frequently easier to “fix” a wrong decision than it is to fix a no decision. So decide.

8. Seek Input if Possible

If time allows, consult someone you trust for a second opinion. They might offer a perspective you haven’t considered.

In high-pressure moments, a quick discussion can provide clarity.

9. Make the Decision and Commit

Once you’ve weighed your options, make a choice and commit to it. If you do not act on the decision, then in all likelihood, you haven’t actually made a decision.

Indecision wastes time and creates more stress. Trust that you have done your best with the information available.

10. Reflect and Adjust if Needed

After the decision, assess its impact and be prepared to make adjustments if necessary.

Learn from the experience to improve your decision-making process in the future.

Mindset Tips for Decision-Making Under Pressure:

Embrace Imperfection: No decision is perfect. Focus on making the best decision given the circumstances. Remember, sometimes you make the right decisions and sometimes you’ll need to make the decision right.

Stay Positive: Confidence in your ability to handle challenges builds resilience in tough situations.

Focus on Action: Avoid overthinking and shift quickly into action once the decision is made.

Your life is made from choices and decisions. If you’re not making decisions regarding YOUR life, sometimes big and pressure-packed decisions, then someone else is making them for you. That is not the way to live your best life possible.

So decide today that you’ll be the one making YOUR life decisions, no matter how challenging they may be.