Ever feel like your brain is on a never-ending treadmill of decision-making?

You’re not alone.

McKinsey research shows that executives spend between 40% to 70% of their time making decisions. That’s a huge chunk of your day spent deciding everything from big strategic moves to whether you’ll reply to that email now or later.

No wonder decision fatigue creeps in, slowing you down, leading to second-guessing, or worse—pushing you to make choices that don’t serve your business.

But here’s the thing: decision fatigue isn’t just annoying, it’s costly.

A report from Decision Design Australia found that poor decisions by leaders lead to higher business costs (58%), lower profits (40%), and declining sales (35%). That’s a scary reality check, right?

So what do you do about it?

Here are three simple, practical ways to take control of your decision-making, free up your mental space, and keep your business movin forward without burning out.

 1. Set Your True North – So You’re Not Winging It

If you’re constantly questioning what the right move is, chances are you’re lacking clarity on your bigger picture. That’s why having a True North (aka a clear vision, direction, and priorities) makes decision-making a whole lot easier.

Think of it as your filter for saying yes or no. If an opportunity, project, or idea isn’t moving you closer to your goals, it’s a no. Simple as that.

One way to do this? Create a Plan on a Page – something short, sharp, and easy to reference so you (and your team) always know what’s important.

No more overthinking every little choice—just check in with your plan and move forward with confidence.

2. Stop Being the Bottleneck – Turn Doers into Decision-Makers

Here’s a hard truth: if you’re making every single decision in your business, you’re probably the reason things are slowing down. When your team keeps coming to you for approval on every little thing, it’s exhausting. For you and for them.

Instead, empower them to make their own decisions. Give them the confidence, clarity, and structure to step up, so you’re not the go-to for every minor call. And if the thought of this freaks you out, check out Michelle and Douglas’ story from Healthy Hustle. They left their business for a year to live in Spain, and the company didn’t fall apart. Why? Because they prepped their team to think and decide without them.

So, what’s one decision you can hand over today to start shifting the dynamic?

3. Automate Your Decision-Making – Ask the Right Questions

Not all decisions need hours of thinking time. Some just need a quick gut check. That’s where a decision-making framework comes in handy. Instead of debating every choice, run it through three simple questions:

Does this take me closer to my goal? If it’s not aligned with where you’re headed, it’s a distraction.
Will this keep my hustle healthy? If saying yes means longer hours, missed family time, or burnout, it’s worth reconsidering.
Does this feel right? If your gut is screaming “no,” listen to it.

Here’s the rule: Three yeses? Go for it. Two yeses? Dig deeper. One or zero? It’s a no.

Stick this somewhere visible (on your desk, in your notes app, wherever you’ll actually use it) and save yourself from endless decision paralysis.

Your Next Step – Because This Stuff Only Works If You Use It

Decision fatigue is real, but you don’t have to let it control you. In the next 24 hours, take a moment to:

✅ Write down your top three decision-making questions (feel free to borrow ours).

✅ Start handing off one decision to your team, even a small one.

✅ Check your Plan on a Page (or create one!) so you’ve got a clear guide for future decisions.

Less decision fatigue, better choices, and more time for the work that actually lights you up.

Give it a go, and let me know how you get on.

You dream of having a smoothly running business, a high-performing team, and the freedom to step back without the constant need for you to be in the business. 

After all, it’s why you went into business in the first place.

But what about when you achieve this ideal scenario? 

Have you stopped to consider the often-overlooked downside?

When your business no longer hinges on your every move, you may find yourself grappling with a surprising challenge: the lack of significance and validation that comes from being the go-to problem solver.

Because you’ve built your business from the ground up, it’s really hard to let go. 

The need to swoop in and save the day, to validate your importance through solving daily issues, can become addictive. 

Even when your team is performing well, it’s tempting to fall into the thought pattern of “I would’ve done it this way,” despite the fact your team is achieving the same results. 

This urge can make it difficult for you to step back and fully trust your team.

But the idea of having nothing to do can be simply daunting. 

Your fantasy of endless beach days can quickly turn into boredom. 

Because you’re wired for growth, always seeking the next challenge. 

This drive is part of your DNA as a successful business owner, but it can also be a double-edged sword, leading to what some experts call “entrepreneurial addiction”.

Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and mental health author, describes addiction as compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. 

This definition is particularly relevant for business owners who find themselves compulsively working longer hours, neglecting personal relationships, and sacrificing health and well-being for the sake of their business.

Amy identifies 6 warning signs of entrepreneurial addiction:

1. Obsessive thoughts (constantly thinking about your business – getting new clients, introducing new products, the next onboarding round…)

2. Withdrawal (once that big pitch or project is done withdrawal symptoms can occur, boredom, depression, anxiety, a feeling of ‘coming down’)

3. Self-Worth problems (never acknowledging how far you’ve come or celebrating your successes before searching for the next big thing will impact your self-worth, it’s never enough)

4. Increased Tolerance to your substance of choice, in this case unhealthy ways of working (the long hours, no lunch breaks or lack of sleep become the normal way to function)

5. Neglect (other areas of life come second and are neglected – your health, family, time for you, hobbies, sleep)

6. Negative Outcomes (continuing your way of working despite the negative effects on your health, relationships, and life)

Do you see any of these warning signs in you?

If yes, then you need to break the cycle.

You can start this by setting clear boundaries – allocate specific times for work and personal activities, and stick to them. 

Celebrate your achievements and acknowledge your progress to maintain a healthy sense of self-worth. 

Most importantly, remember why you started your business in the first place. 

Reconnect with your initial goals and ensure they’re being met without compromising your well-being.

Taking these steps can help you regain control and create a sustainable work-life balance. 

If you find yourself struggling, consider booking a clarity call with me to discuss strategies to get yourself out of this mess. 

It’s time to move from being indispensable to leading a thriving, self-sufficient business so that you can enjoy the freedom and fulfilment you deserve.