Decision Ease: Clear-headed decision making tools for overthinkers, high-achievers, and recovering perfectionists

The holiday season can be joyful…and exhausting 🫠! But what if you could make it easier now - before the rush begins? In this episode, I’ll walk you through three tiny decisions you can make today that will reduce stress, help you prioritize what matters, and leave you feeling more present when the year wraps up. And ps, these aren’t just for the holidays - you can apply them anywhere you’re tempted to overthink, over-manage, or over-give!   👉 Links: Grab it for free! 5 Things Clear-headed Decision Makers Get Right Book your VIP End-of-Year Session: Make the decisions you need to now to end 2025 strong! Join the waitlist for an exclusive discount to 2026's Decision Ease Program  Find out the best way we can work together

Some choices just don’t need to take hours of your life. Dinner, outfits, where to put that picture frame…low-stakes decisions often feel heavy because of the state you’re in and the pressure you put on yourself to get them “right.” This week, I’ll show you the simplest 2-part formula to help you cut through the noise and move on: Notice your state (mental, physical, emotional). Decide what matters right now. (yes, I get that that's another decision, but we'll make it easy, I promise) We’ll cover why these two steps are enough to speed things up, how to use them in everyday life, and the reminders that make it easier to trust your choices without overthinking.   👉 Links & Resources Take the Decision Style Quiz to get personalized tips to make faster, easier choices! Grab the 5 Things Clear-Headed Decision Makers Get Right guide for free! Fast-track easier decisions everyday with this mini-workshop: Decision Ease Essentials Learn about 1:1 coaching + the upcoming Decision Ease Program: Let's Work Together

Ever wonder why deciding what’s for dinner or where to hang a picture can feel like a high-stakes exam? 🤯 It’s actually not a "bad outcome" that we tend to fear - it’s that the experience of not liking your choice feels heavy. In this episode, we unpack the three habits that secretly make small decisions harder than they need to be: Self-judgment: the inner critic that won’t let up. Self-abandonment: punishing yourself by sticking with outcomes you don’t like. Catastrophizing: treating solvable problems like permanent disasters. When you spot these patterns, you can cut the mental load in half - and give yourself permission to move through everyday choices with ease!   👉 Links & Resources Take the Decision Style Quiz to get personalized tips to make faster, easier choices! Grab the 5 Things Clear-Headed Decision Makers Get Right guide for free! Fast-track easier decisions everyday with this mini-workshop: Decision Ease Essentials Learn about 1:1 coaching + the upcoming Decision Ease Program: Work with Me

Last week, we talked about when changing course is the smartest move. This week, we’re flipping the script: what if the wisest thing you can do is stick with your original decision? Sometimes staying the course feels boring, scary, or uncomfortable — which makes it easy to second guess yourself. But discomfort isn’t always a signal that you’ve made the wrong choice. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the signs that sticking with your decision is actually the smartest move. Here's where we go: Why high-achievers often equate progress with change (and how that trips us up) The “messy middle” — what it is and how to recognize it Signs your urge to quit is really coming from comparison, boredom, or catastrophizing How to support yourself through doubt without re-opening the whole decision Decisions don’t have to drain your energy. With the right tools, you can know when to pivot and when to press on.   👉 Links & Resources Grab the 5 Things Clear-Headed Decision Makers Get Right guide for free! Fast-track easier decisions everyday with the mini-workshop: Decision Ease Essentials Learn about 1:1 coaching + the upcoming Decision Ease Program: Work with Me  

Changing course doesn’t have to mean you’ve failed, given up, or lost your edge. Nor does it have to be the biggest drama of the decade! In this episode, we’re talking about those moments when the little voice in your head says, “I think it’s time for a change…” — and how to decide if changing course is actually the smartest move you can make. You’ll learn: Why your brain is wired to stick with the familiar (even when you don’t like it) 3 common mental traps that make change feel harder than it has to be The step most people skip before thinking through big decisions (Psst...this changes everything) 5 key questions to figure out if it’s time to pivot or not By the end, you’ll know how to work with your brain (and your emotions) to make smart changes without getting stuck in the drama. LINKS 🎯 Get the free guide: 5 Things Clear-headed Decision Makers Get Right  ✨ On-demand workshop: Decision Ease Essentials  💬 Join the waitlist for the Decision Ease Program

You make hundreds of decisions every day — but what if a few bigger ones could make all those small ones easier? In this episode, I’m sharing 5 foundational decisions I’ve made that cut down my mental load, reduce friction, and help me move through the day with less stress (and more ease). These aren’t surface-level habits — they’re upstream choices that shape how I show up, what matters, and what I don’t let bother me. You’ll hear: What I prioritized in my home that makes everyday tasks smoother How I decide what’s not my problem (and why that’s freedom) Why embracing a hobby made me better at work The underrated decisions I’ve automated to save energy The mental shift that changed how I treat myself during the day And you’ll get reflection prompts to help you find your version of these clarity-creating choices. LINKS: 🎁 Grab the free guide! 5 Things Clear-Headed Decision-Makers Get Right 🎥 Get instant access to the Decision Ease Essentials Workshop

If you’ve ever said “I can’t do this alone, but all of it needs to happen” — this episode is for you! Today I’m joined by virtual assistant and organizing wizard Shannon South, CEO of Lifetime Stress Relief. Shannon helps women get out from under the chaos and bring calm to the daily swirl of tasks and ideas — especially those with ADHD brains and a million tabs open (literally and figuratively). Here's where we go: Why most of us overcomplicate decisions — and how to simplify them Shannon’s 5-question decision-making checklist (built and tested since 2021!) How identifying your core values can clarify almost any decision What you might be making decisions mean — and why that matters How you can use anything from meaningful quotes to Grandma wisdom as helpful decision guides I promised a recap of her Decision Checklist questions in the show notes (see below). This is a super encouraging conversation for anyone who feels like the mental load is just too much right now — and a great reminder that you’re not behind or broken, you’re just human. And humans need tools. LINKS! ❓ Take the Decision Style Quiz now for free, personalized tips for easier decisions 🎯 Want to make decisions easier today? Grab the on-demand Decision Ease Essentials Workshop. You’ll get a repeatable method to reduce overthinking and finally feel in charge of your choices. ABOUT SHANNON: Shannon is the CEO of Lifetime Stress Relief, a virtual assistance and business management company. We support women with holistic, heart-centered, and excellent assistance. Her background in chemistry and outdoor maintenance led to the development of her simplification processes that take a proactive approach to organizing clients' businesses and home lives. Outside of work, she is puppy mama to Ruby Tuesday, her 6 year old plot hound and loves to travel and watercolor paint! Check her out at https://lifetimestressrelief.com And connect with her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/shannonsouthnostress DECISION CHECKLIST QUESTIONS:    Does this person, opportunity, or action align with my values? Why is this a hard decision — and does it reflect my fears or my dreams? Is this temporary endorphins or lasting happiness? What am I making this decision mean? What is my reason for making this decision — and do I like that reason?  

You’re smart, capable, and constantly improving — but if you still end most days wondering what you actually accomplished (and low-key doubting every choice you made), this episode is for you. We’re talking about the brain habits that keep high-achievers stuck in “not good enough” mode, and how to train your brain to see the good. You’ll learn: Why noticing your good decisions isn’t toxic positivity — it’s a power move The identity loop that builds more confidence with every choice Five easy scripts to start reinforcing self-trust without needing everything to be “perfect” Your decisions shape your day — and your identity. This episode will help you stop focusing on all the mistakes and start seeing yourself as someone who makes good calls. LINKS! 👉 Stop the Spiral Workshop — the easiest way to interrupt overthinking and make clear, confident decisions. 👉 Make easier, better choices for life — join the waitlist for the upcoming program to get an exclusive discount!

If you've ever felt stuck between “being good with money” and actually enjoying your life — this conversation is for you. In this episode, I’m joined by Financial Coach Christina Edel, who helps her clients pay off debt, build savings, and hit their money goals without sacrificing joy, values, or real life in the process. This juicy conversation includes: How to define your money vision so your goals feel grounded and motivating Why identifying your core values is essential to following through financially What questions to ask yourself before a purchase to avoid buyer's remorse Why “logic” alone isn’t enough to change your money habits This is a practical, compassionate take on personal finance — and a great reminder that you don’t need to become a different person to feel confident with money. You just need tools that actually work for you. LINKS! ❓Take the Decision Style Quiz now for free, personalized tips for easier decisions! 🎯 Want more tools like this? Grab the on-demand Stop the Spiral workshop You’ll get a repeatable method to reduce overthinking and finally feel in charge of your choices. 🤓 Ready for better decision habits for life? Get on the waitlist for the next program that starts Fall 2025! ABOUT CHRISTINA: Christina lives in Springfield, MO with her husband and 2 children. She is the owner of Picture It Profit & Financial Coaching and the author of A Beginner's Guide to Win With Money. Christina found her passion in helping motivated professionals and entrepreneurs get their money life in order. Nobody needs to deal with the stress and anxiety of winging it financially. This passion developed from cleaning up her own finances, becoming debt and mortgage free, and being able to leave an 18 year career in tech management to start her business. You can learn more about her at https://pictureitpf.com  And follow her on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@PictureItPF 

Are you spending six to seven work weeks every year just deciding what to eat, wear, and watch? 😳  Sorry not sorry — it's true. The average person is.  Today’s episode is here to give you that time back. In this quick and practical episode, we’re talking about a concept from the world of behavioral economics that every overthinker needs in their back pocket: Satisficing (yep, it’s a real word). You’ll learn: What satisfying + sufficing = (hint...it's "satisficing") Why it’s not the same as settling How it can reduce decision fatigue and free up brainpower When to use it and how to apply it to real-life decisions (like picking dinner, decorating for a holiday, or answering a text) Whether you’re burned out from optimizing every tiny choice or just want to stop spiraling about stuff that doesn’t matter that much — this episode will help you make faster, clearer decisions with less drama.   ❓Take the Decision Style Quiz now for free, personalized tips for easier decisions! 🎯 Want more tools like this? Grab the on-demand Stop the Spiral workshop You’ll get a repeatable method to reduce overthinking and finally feel in charge of your choices. 🤓 Ready for better decision habits for life? Get on the waitlist for the next program that starts Fall 2025!

Let’s talk about that low-key fear that shapes your day more than you realize. In this episode, I’m walking you through a simple mindset tool I used almost every day during a trip abroad last year — and how it helped me make clearer, more confident choices instead of letting fear or resistance decide for me. Plus, it's one of the most critical questions you can ask when making a big ("scary") life choice - as long as you answer it! “What’s the worst that could happen?” You're going to start using this question as an honest prompt to interrupt low-to-high-level fear and take intentional action (even if the action is not doing the thing). You’ll learn: Why “little” resistance shapes big outcomes How to catch fear before it closes doors on your behalf A practical metaphor for expanding your options instead of unconsciously shrinking them What real-life fear fluency sounds like (with client stories & examples) This is a must-listen if you want to waste less time in your head and feel more in charge of your choices—without needing to be fearless.   LINKS!  ✨ Ready for more tools to stop spiraling and overthinking? The Stop the Spiral workshop happens July 11, 2025 — or grab the replay anytime: kirstenparker.com/spiral 🎧 Catch Ariell's Client Interview about Fear (Ep #18) or our Coaching Session about "saiting for the other shoe to drop" (Ep #19) 🎯 Let’s make decisions easier and less mentally exhausting

Feeling overwhelmed? All the small tasks you keep putting off might be contributing (more than you think)! This week’s episode is your permission slip to hit pause on everything else and reclaim your peace — with a Bottom-of-the-List Day. Here's where we go:  ✅ Why those “not urgent, not important” tasks mega-drain your energy ✅ How unfinished tasks create open loops and quiet anxiety ✅ A simple, satisfying way to restore capacity, build self-trust, and clear mental clutter You don’t need to “catch up” on everything — just close a few loops and feel the relief. ✨ Ready for more tools to stop spiraling and overthinking? The Stop the Spiral workshop happens July 11, 2025 — or grab the replay anytime: kirstenparker.com/spiral   LINKS! Stop the Spiral *Workshop*: A Decision-Making Method for High-Functioning Overthinkers What's your DECISION STYLE? Take the Quiz! Need to say NO? Here's your 11-minute Crash Course on Saying NO Guilt-Free. Find out how Decision Coaching will make your whole life easier

This week, we’re throwing it back to one of my favorite episodes from 2023: the Midyear Reflect & Reset.  It includes a free downloadable worksheet to help you do a simple, powerful reset no matter when you're listening. You'll walk away with: A guided framework for taking stock of your year so far Prompts to celebrate wins, honor hard stuff, and course-correct with clarity One crucial question to shape your next season on purpose Also in this episode: 👉 A quick personal life update 👉 A heads-up that Stop the Spiral is now happening in July (more time to grab your ticket!) 👉 A sneak peek at the ultimate decision-making program I’m building behind the scenes LINKS! 🎟 Stop the Spiral: A Decision-Making Method for High-Functioning Overthinkers 📄Free Mid-Year Reset Worksheet

Are you actually overthinking… or just being thorough? And how do you tell the difference? In this quick episode, we’re digging into one of the biggest mindset traps I see with clients — and giving you super actionable ways to take your decision-making process off auto-pilot (without forcing yourself to "just go faster"). We’ll cover: ✅ How to tell if your decision process is a problem — or just your style ✅ The energy driving your decision-making (and why this matters more than how long a choice takes) ✅ How to stop defaulting to unhelpful patterns (hint: this has to do with the "Overthinker" label) ✅ Questions to check in on your relationship with your decision process — so you can change what’s not working! Bottom line: It isn't "overthinking" every time you take a week to make a choice. Learning the distinction will help you own your decisions with confidence — and take control when your process starts to spin out. 🚨 Stop the Spiral Workshop! Join me live to learn the exact method I teach clients to interrupt overthinking, simplify hard decisions, and create faster, calmer clarity — on the spot.🎟️ Get your ticket (or the replay) now!: https://kirstenparker.com/spiral   LINKS! Stop the Spiral *Workshop*: A Decision-Making Method for High-Functioning Overthinkers What's your DECISION STYLE? Take the Quiz! Need to say NO? Here's your 11-minute Crash Course on Saying NO Guilt-Free. Find out how Decision Coaching will make your whole life easier

This week, we’re tackling one of the sneakiest habits high-functioning overthinkers fall into: making everything harder than it needs to be. From your day-to-day to your biggest goals, overcomplicating your plans might be costing you time, energy, and results — and today, I’m showing you how to stop. I’m walking you through two real-life examples (one goal-oriented, one daily-life related), and giving you the two HQQs (high-quality questions) I use with clients to simplify any decision or plan. Because yes: you can want high-quality results AND things to be easier at the same time! Here's where we go:  Why smart, capable people default to making things harder The hidden cost of overcomplicated plans How to spot when you’re spiraling in decision-making Two questions to simplify any plan A whole lot of permission to do it the easier way   🚨 Stop the Spiral Workshop – happening June 26! Join me live to learn the exact method I teach clients to interrupt overthinking, simplify hard decisions, and create faster, calmer clarity — on the spot. 💸 Early bird: $20 off through June 9, 2025 🎟️ Get your ticket now!: https://kirstenparker.com/spiral   LINKS! Stop the Spiral *Workshop*: A Decision-Making Method for High-Functioning Overthinkers What's your DECISION STYLE? Take the Quiz! Need to say NO? Here's your 11-minute Crash Course on Saying NO Guilt-Free. Find out how Decision Coaching will make your whole life easier

What happens when a former anxious overthinker goes to London with no plan? This week, I’m walking you through the real-life experiment I ran last month: a 4-day solo trip to London with one plan (see the Harry Potter show) and zero itinerary. My goal? To enjoy myself without burning brain energy on constant second-guessing or planning every minute of the day. In this episode, I’m sharing the decision-making strategies I used before, during, and after the trip to: Avoid regret Reduce friction Feel present Make quick, clear choices (even when I wasn’t sure what I wanted) But this isn’t just for travel: If you’re someone who struggles with overthinking daily decisions or wants to stop wasting mental energy on what-if spirals, this episode will help you rethink how you make choices — and how to support yourself better while doing it. We talk about: Why clarifying your intentions before any big decision helps everything feel easier How to set parameters and use "decisions in advance" to avoid getting stuck What happens when you affirm your choices once you make them What to do when you genuinely don’t know what you want How to limit your options in a way that actually feels freeing Cheerio!   LINKS! What's your DECISION STYLE? Take the Quiz! Need to say NO? Here's your 11-minute Crash Course on Saying NO Guilt-Free. Find out how Decision Coaching will make your whole life easier

Ok so you're an expert second-guesser. I've gotchyoo. And I've got a super simple solution for you too: You just need to change where your attention goes after you make a decision. This episode is about one of the most common friction points I help clients with: the habit of second-guessing. It’s not about perfection or not caring about mistakes — it’s about interrupting the spiral of post-decision doubt that keeps you mentally stuck and emotionally drained. Here’s where we go: Why second-guessing has little to do with making the “right / best” choice  How your post-decision attention makes the difference in your confidence What standing by your choices (even imperfect ones) really looks like If you're constantly revisiting your choices and wondering if you did the “right” thing, this episode is your next decision reset.   LINKS! What's your DECISION STYLE? Take the Quiz! Need to say NO? Here's your 11-minute Crash Course on Saying NO Guilt-Free. Find out how Decision Coaching will make your whole life easier

You don’t need to become a ruthless, self-centered robot to start owning what you want. You do need to stop writing your entire life around other people’s possible reactions. This episode is a mix of personal reflection (it’s my birthday!🥳), decision coaching gold, and some truth bombs that might hit close to home. Especially if you’ve been unknowingly structuring your choices around approval, avoidance, or keeping the peace. Here’s where we go: The exact spotlight shifts you need to make, to own your decisions What “clarity guilt” is — and how to stop letting it drive your choices Real-life examples of what it looks like to own what you want (and stop apologizing for it) If you're tired of mentally managing everyone else's opinions before you even check in with yourself, this one's for you.   LINKS! What's your DECISION STYLE? Take the Quiz! Need to say NO? Here's your 11-minute Crash Course on Saying NO Guilt-Free. There are limited spots open for Private Coaching right now! Book your free no-strings consultation or submit an Inquiry Form to explore what we can do together.

So... I got a tattoo. In a foreign country. On what looked like a whim. But (spoiler) this episode is about much more than ink. It’s about what happens when you hit a stretch of life that feels like one transition too many — and how to reclaim your role as the chooser of your own life, even when you can’t control everything happening in it. Here’s where we go: The story behind my “impulse” tattoo and what it taught me about resistance, ownership, and presence 3 ways to rethink what it means to “choose” your life — even when parts of it are messy or not what you expected How to spot when you’re living out old goals... and how to start deciding on purpose again This one’s for you if you’re in a season that’s left you feeling detached, foggy, or like your current life is running on decisions Past You made. You don’t have to climb a mountain to get clarity — I already did that for us.   LINKS! What's your DECISION STYLE? Take the Quiz! Need to say NO? Here's your 11-minute Crash Course on Saying NO Guilt-Free. There are limited spots open for Private Coaching right now! Book your free no-strings consultation or submit an Inquiry Form to explore what we can do together.

If you're already fried and summer hasn’t even started yet...this episode’s for you. Because May — or Maycember, as some know it — has a way of draining the life out of you with nonstop events, decisions, and that special blend of chaos, guilt, and calendar overload. Here’s where we go in this episode: Spot the invisible energy drains that can make this month feel so heavy Get 3 tools to make your decisions way less draining in the season ahead Hear my personal approach to calming May chaos As I share in the episode, this isn’t about doing less - it's about deciding better. (YES please.)   LINKS! What's your DECISION STYLE? Take the Quiz! Need to say NO? Here's your 11-minute Crash Course on Saying NO Guilt-Free. There are limited spots open for Private Coaching right now! Book your free no-strings consultation to explore what we can do together.