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Steven Claes – The A+ Introvert - Decision Detox: The 15-Minute Method That Stops Overthinking Cold
Two simple steps. Zero analysis paralysis. Maximum brain space for real work.
Steven Claes
July 05, 2025 • Reading Time: 5 minutes
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Hey there friend!
How long does a “quick” decision take you?
A few years ago, I burned an hour on HR software demos. Same features. Tiny price gaps. My coffee went cold. My inbox exploded.
The choice? Still sitting there, mocking me.
That particular night I scribbled something on a sticky note.
Next morning? Decision made in 15 minutes. Coffee still hot.
If your brain turns simple choices into spaghetti, this one’s for you.
Today’s Focus
Why overthinking kills momentum
The 2-step reset that works
How to reclaim hours of brain space
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Why Overthinking Hurts
Reality check: Most stalled decisions don’t come from missing information. They come from drowning in it.
Columbia–Stanford research proves it. Shoppers offered 24 jam flavors were 90% less likely to buy than those given just 6 options.
Too much choice = frozen action.
This hits us introverts hard. We love deep dives.
We can drown in details.
The cost?
Blurred focus.
Dead momentum.
Drained energy.
The Clarify → Commit Reset You Need Today
Step | How | Why It Works |
Clarify (5 min) | - Write your real goal in one sentence. - List only three viable options. - Circle the winner (no ties). | Cuts mental overload Aim focus at highest payoff |
Commit (10 min) | - Start the first step on your circled pick right away (email, purchase, calendar hold). - Set a checkpoint date. - Close the loop (no peeking). | Locks the decision in place Builds momentum Frees brain space |
Pocket script
“Goal = _____. Options A, B, C. I choose ____. Start now, review on ____.”
Proof It Works
Real results from real decisions:
Vendor choice: Two late nights ➜ 15-minute Clarify card
Team-event : Three Slack threads ➜ five-minute vote
Course pick: Endless tabs ➜ Circled option, booked
Time saved: 4+ hours per week.
Stress reduced: Immeasurable.
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Quiet Fuel of the Week
Resource | What It Is | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
Tool | (downloadable PDF) | A ready-made template to use for quick decisions. |
Read | Fast, decision-making guide. Learn from limited info. | |
Watch | 3-min YouTube clip “Choice Overload Explained” | Quick visual on why more options equal slower action. |
Your 5-Day Challenge
Monday – Pick one stalled decision.
Tuesday – Fill your Decision Card.
Wednesday – Commit and act.
Thursday – Trust the process.
Friday – Email me : “Saved___ hours.”
Track this: Minutes between card completion and first action. Notice how light your brain feels after closing the loop.
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Coming Next Week
Quiet Influence 2.0: How To Guide Projects Without Owning Them All
Final Thoughts
Indecision is a slow leak.
Every project hits a fork; Winners pick a path and walk.
Clarify. Commit. Checkpoint.
Fifteen-minutes. Done.
Pick one dangling choice this week. Close it fast. On purpose.
Feel the weight drop.
Watch momentum return.
Keep your coffee hot.
Hard calls won’t vanish. But they don’t have to drain you.
Stay clear. Choose quick. Roll on.
— Steven
P.S. Know someone drowning in decisions? Forward this. Sometimes the best gift is showing your’re not alone.
P.P.S. Daily introvert leadership insights? Click here to connect with me directly.
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