01.11.26 – Blog 5B [2/2] — Day 8
Set a stopping point before you begin
Practise this exercise with a small, reversible decision. Avoid beginning with a major financial, medical or legal choice.
Suppose you need to choose a time for a routine team meeting.
Before comparing every possibility, write down the essential requirements. The necessary people must be available, the meeting must fit the deadline, and enough time must be allowed.
These requirements define an acceptable choice. They do not promise a perfect one.
Next, decide how much time the choice reasonably deserves. A few minutes might be enough for this example. A different decision can require longer.
The time limit is a practical guide, not a reason to ignore important information.
Now review the realistic options. When one meets the essential requirements, choose it and take the next action, such as sending the invitation.
Afterwards, you might feel an urge to check again.
Ask: “Has anything relevant changed?”
If a colleague reports a genuine clash, reopen the decision. New information deserves attention.
If nothing has changed and you simply feel unsure, see whether you can leave the decision in place while continuing with your day.
You do not need to feel completely confident before every ordinary action.
Here is another example. You are writing a routine update. Your requirements are accuracy, clarity and a respectful tone. Once you have checked these, send it instead of repeatedly changing words that already communicate the message.
Be flexible. If you discover an error, correct it. A stopping point does not prevent learning or responsible revision.
At the end of the day, review one decision briefly. Did it meet the essential requirements? Did additional checking produce useful information, or mostly repeat the same doubts?
Use what you notice to adjust your approach next time.
The desired result is not a life without mistakes. It is a more proportionate way of deciding, with enough care for the situation and enough freedom to move forward.
For a Confident, Happy Life.
Dr. Sudhir Arora, MBBS
Mind Mastery Mentor
Disclaimer: Dr. Sudhir Arora, MBBS is NOT a psychiatrist. This article is for general educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for appropriate medical, surgical or psychiatric health care—whether routine or emergency care.
