Making Big Decisions Without Losing Your Mind (Or Your Soul)
Have you ever found yourself agonizing over a decision—making lists, overanalyzing, maybe even polling your friends, your dog, and that one person on the internet who definitely doesn’t have their life together either?
I get it. We’ve all been there—stuck in decision paralysis, unsure if we should trust logic, gut feelings, or the 11:11 we saw on the microwave that could have been the universe speaking to us.
The truth is, making good decisions isn’t just about data and logic. It’s about tuning into all of you—your mind, your body, your emotions, and yes, even that deep-down, can’t-quite-explain-it knowing. That’s what holistic decision-making is all about: making choices that feel right and work well.
And the best part? There are simple, science-backed (and slightly mystical) ways to do this. Let’s dive in.
The Problem With “Just Be Rational”
Traditional decision-making tells us to make lists, analyze pros and cons, and follow the facts. And sure, that sounds smart. But how many times have you made a decision that looked great on paper… and turned out to be completely wrong for you?
That’s because your intuition, emotions, and even your body are also part of the equation. Neuroscience tells us that the gut-brain connection is real—your body often knows before your conscious mind catches up. And psychology research shows that ignoring emotions in decision-making doesn’t make us more rational—it actually makes us less effective.
That’s why holistic decision-making—which combines logic, intuition, mindfulness, and body awareness—can lead to better choices with less stress and second-guessing.
How to Make Decisions That Actually Feel Right
So how do we get out of our heads and into a decision-making process that works? Here are four simple, practical tools to help:
1. Meditation: Give Your Brain a Breather
When your mind is racing, clarity is the first casualty. Meditation helps quiet the mental noise so your deeper wisdom can actually be heard.
Try This: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and ask yourself: What does my inner wisdom say?
2. Journaling: Get It Out of Your Head
Writing down your thoughts can help you see patterns, release emotional clutter, and get to the heart of what really matters.
Journal Prompts to Try:
• What am I actually afraid of here?
• If I already knew the answer, what would it be?
• Which option feels more like relief—and which feels like resistance?
3. Breathwork: Reset Your Nervous System
Stress clouds judgment. When we’re anxious, we default to fear-based choices. Breathwork calms the nervous system so we can think clearly.
Try This: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Repeat a few times and notice how much clearer your mind feels.
4. Muscle Testing: Let Your Body Weigh In
Your body knows things your brain hasn’t fully processed yet. Muscle testing (also known as applied kinesiology) can help you tap into that subconscious intelligence.
Try This:
1. Stand tall and ask yourself a yes-or-no question.
2. Notice if your body subtly sways forward (yes) or backward (no).
It sounds weird, but it’s surprisingly insightful!
How to Put It All Together
When faced with a tough choice, try this:
1. Meditate – Quiet your mind.
2. Journal – Explore what’s really going on.
3. Breathe – Calm your nervous system.
4. Muscle Test – Check in with your body’s wisdom.
By using this process, decisions become clearer, and you’ll build more trust in your own ability to choose wisely—without the endless overthinking spiral.
Ready to Bring Holistic Wisdom to Your Work & Life?
Whether you’re a leader, healer, or someone navigating life’s big questions, integrating intuition with practical decision-making can change everything.
Want to deepen your expertise in grief, healing, and spiritual connection for leadership in the workplace? Visit www.leigh-ann-larson.com/professional-development to learn more about how I can help.
