Clarity Over Chaos: Making Decisions When You’re Stuck in Your Head

Episode Title: Clarity Over Chaos: Making Decisions When You’re Stuck in Your Head
Episode Number: 10
Host: Erin Merideth
Website: unlearningwork.com

Episode Summary

In this episode of Unlearning Work, host Erin Merideth explores the messy middle of decision-making—those moments when you're stuck in your head, spiraling in uncertainty, and waiting for the “perfect” answer that never seems to come.

Using insights from behavioral science and her work as a leadership coach, Erin introduces the concept of decision hygiene—a practical, proven way to clean up mental clutter, reduce bias, and build clarity, even when you’re overwhelmed or emotionally drained.

If you’ve ever delayed a choice, doubted your instincts, or gotten trapped in analysis paralysis, this episode will give you the mindset shifts and tools you need to move forward—with intention.

Key Topics Covered

✅ Why We Get Stuck in Our Heads
→ The real reason overthinking happens (hint: it’s not because you’re indecisive)
→ How decision fatigue and cognitive overload derail your clarity

✅ What Decision Hygiene Really Is
→ A framework from Daniel Kahneman to reduce bias and create decision-making structure
→ Real-world leadership examples that show why systems matter more than willpower

✅ The 5-Step Clarity Framework

1. Name the Real Decision
   → Identify the fear behind the choice and clarify what you’re actually deciding

2. Set a Decision Deadline
   → Use time constraints to stop the spiral of perfectionism

3. Define Success Ahead of Time
   → Create your own aligned metrics instead of chasing external validation

4. Make Space for Emotion—but Don’t Let It Drive
   → Honor your fears, but take small, aligned action anyway

5. Do a Pre-Mortem
   → Strategically plan for what might go wrong—then build safeguards

✅ Reframing Clarity vs. Certainty
→ Clarity is about alignment—not guarantees
→ Why chasing “the right answer” often leads to inaction

✅ Real Coaching Examples from the Field
→ How high-performing professionals use this framework to make calm, confident moves
→ The difference between feeling ready and being ready

🔄 Episode Takeaways

🔹 Clarity doesn’t mean certainty—it means alignment
🔹 You’re not making a forever decision—you’re making a next decision
🔹 The brain avoids risk by default—so waiting to “feel sure” often leads to staying stuck
🔹 Confident decisions are built on process, not perfection
🔹 Trust grows when you act in alignment with your values—even in uncertainty

🧭 Listener Challenge

This week’s Unlearning Work Action Challenge:
✅ Pick one decision you’ve been avoiding
✅ Walk through the 5-step Clarity Framework
✅ Share your “real decision” question in the Unlearning Work Community or DM Erin

Let’s normalize uncertainty. Let’s practice decision hygiene. Let’s stop waiting for the perfect moment—and start moving with clarity.

📲 Join the Conversation

🎯 What decision are you ready to stop overthinking?
💬 Share your reflections and next move with us in the Unlearning Work Community.
🔗 Need support? Download the Unlearning Work App for the free worksheet that pairs with this episode.

🧩 Resources Mentioned

📄 Download the worksheet for this episode inside the Unlearning Work App (Apple & Google Play)
📚 Inspired by the work of Daniel Kahneman on decision hygiene
📥 Subscribe to the Work Reimagined Newsletter for bonus tools and reflection prompts

✅ Subscribe & Stay Connected

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app
📲 Download the Unlearning Work App for weekly actions, podcast worksheets, and exclusive tools
📥 Get the Work Reimagined Newsletter straight to your inbox
⭐ Leave a review—it helps others find the show
📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn for daily leadership insights