Stressful situations often cloud our judgment, making it challenging to make thoughtful decisions. While we can’t always avoid stress, we can use strategies to cut through the mental fog and think more clearly. Below are five practical methods I found on FastCompany.com to help you navigate high-pressure moments with clarity and confidence.
1. Find Facts
Stress can amplify our emotions, leading to skewed perceptions of reality. Emotional decision-making, while tempting, often undermines efficiency and accuracy.
To counteract this, ground yourself in facts. For instance, if you find yourself thinking, “The boss won’t like this idea,” ask yourself, is this really true? Look for examples where similar ideas were accepted or rejected. If there’s no evidence to support your fear, it might be an unfounded worry rather than a legitimate concern. Gathering facts transforms vague anxieties into actionable insights, empowering you to make decisions based on reality, not speculation.
2. Face Things Head-On
Avoidance may feel like a relief in the moment, but it only postpones—and often worsens—your stress. The more you procrastinate, the less prepared you are when the time comes to act. This can lead to hasty, ill-considered decisions.
Instead, tackle issues early. Break tasks into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and give yourself adequate time to weigh your options. Facing challenges head-on allows for thoughtful, deliberate choices, setting you up for success.
3. Stare Into Space
In our productivity-obsessed culture, the idea of doing “nothing” can feel counterintuitive. But giving your brain downtime is one of the most effective ways to spark creative solutions.
Take 10 minutes to sit quietly and let your mind wander. This mental pause allows your subconscious to process information and connect ideas in unexpected ways. Many groundbreaking innovations and personal “aha” moments happen during periods of unstructured thought. So, next time you feel stuck, step away and embrace a little daydreaming, you might be surprised at the clarity it brings.
4. Be Boring
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most powerful. Small, seemingly mundane actions – like eating a healthier snack, taking a short walk, or lying down for a quick rest – can have a big impact on your ability to manage stress.
These micro-adjustments calm your nervous system, combat burnout, and shift your mindset. You don’t need an elaborate wellness routine; consistency in small, positive habits can make a world of difference in maintaining your mental clarity.
5. Delegate Ruthlessly
Trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for exhaustion. Offload tasks that don’t require your personal touch, whether they’re professional or personal. Trust others to handle these responsibilities, even if they don’t execute them perfectly.
Freeing yourself from unnecessary obligations creates mental space for the decisions that truly matter. Delegation isn’t just practical – it’s essential for preserving your focus and energy.
While stress is an unavoidable part of life, it doesn’t have to derail your decision-making. By grounding yourself in facts, addressing challenges directly, giving your mind time to wander, adopting small wellness habits, and delegating where possible, you can navigate even the most intense situations with clarity and confidence.
How do you handle tough decision making during stressful times?
By Mary E. Corrado, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE.
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