I recently heard that we make around 35,000 decisions every day. I don’t know who figures out these kinds of statistics, but they’re probably correct. Everything we do requires a choice to be made. Yes, no, this one, that one.

Thankfully, most of the decisions we make are routine, requiring very little energy or effort. We’ll leave well and good enough alone with these decisions.

There are other decisions, however, hard decisions, that require thought and attention. Perhaps these are the decisions required to reach dreams and ambitions. Sometimes these decisions are large, and feel almost impossible to make; at other times there may be several good options from which to choose, which can often leave us doubting whether we will choose the best good choice.

There is no one way to make a decision, but I have found that there is one thing we should all be doing when faced with hard decisions, big or small.

Emily P. Freeman breaks down the decision making process by suggesting that we simply do the next right thing.

Not that the next right thing will be simple, chances are it will require bravery and courage in some measure, but instead of letting our minds be overwhelmed by all of the possibilities and potential outcomes, she suggests focusing on and doing just the next right thing that needs to be done.

It’s common sense, really, and perhaps basic knowledge. But, I wonder how many of us stress about or feel overwhelmed by hard decisions because we try to tackle too much at one time. Doing the next right thing allows us to break a decision down into smaller, more manageable pieces. One thing, then the next. Repeat as needed.

I sense transition upon the horizon, and I find myself facing major decisions. By putting the practice of doing the next right thing into action I am finding that I am able to think more clearly and thoughtfully about the decisions in front of me. There is so much unknown, yet as I do the next right thing I see possibilities opening with new avenues to explore.

Of course, I would also say to pray. Pray, pray and then pray some more. In fact, never stop praying. And, reach out to trusted friends and family for advice; although, I would suggest keeping that list short.

But, there is something about actual doing the next thing that propels a decision into motion. Action is what turns a dream into a plan.

As one who often feels overwhelmed by decisions, I have found almost an ease in allowing myself to focus the majority of my attention on the next thing that needs to be done. One thing at a time is manageable, and it leaves less room for the fatigue and missteps that can occur when trying to multitask or even rush a decision to completion.

Give it a try and let me know if it eases any of the overwhelm you feel in making your hard decision.

Take some time to consider what the next right thing is that you need to do.

What are some tools you use when making hard decisions?

To hear more from Emily P. Freeman, you can listen to her podcast, or check out her newest book here, both aptly entitled: The Next Right Thing.