Every day in business and life, we make hundreds of decisions, both big and small. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose what truly matters when everything feels important, this episode is for you. I’m unpacking exactly how I make choices in my business and life from a place of clarity, confidence, and alignment (without burnout or guilt).
Today’s episode was inspired by an audience question about how to decide what to say yes to when so many things feel worthy of our attention. I walk through the internal process I use, from defining priorities and identifying seasons to journaling, praying, and even sleeping on decisions before choosing. I share personal stories about opportunities I passed on because they weren’t aligned with where I was going or the season I was in, and how those choices shaped who I’m becoming.
Listen to this episode now:
Search for episode 169 of Called to Both on your favorite podcast player!
Why Everything Feels Important (But Isn’t)
One of the reasons we are overwhelmed is because we take on opportunities and ideas that look appealing without evaluating them through the right lenses. We confuse “cool” with “aligned.” So the first step isn’t choosing what you want, it’s clarifying what matters.
Before you decide on anything in your business, you need:
- Priority clarity
- Season awareness
- Identity direction
Without those filters, everything will feel urgent, and the result is either burnout, paralysis, or a calendar full of half-hearted yeses.
Step 1: Identify Your Priorities
Before you make any decision, you must know what’s important to you—not just in business, but in life. I recommend first identifying the areas of life that hold meaning for you:
- Family
- Health
- Business
- Finances
- Spirituality
- Friendships
- Personal Growth
Once you have your categories, ask yourself: What matters here? What must be honored? These values will act as your decision-making lens.
If I know I value being the primary parent in this season, that tells me something about what types of projects I can take on. If financial growth is a goal, that tells me something else. Your decisions become easier when your priorities are clear.
Step 2: Recognize Your Season
Not every opportunity is wrong—but not every opportunity is right right now.
Think of this as honoring your capacity and season. Ask yourself:
- Does this fit my current bandwidth and responsibilities?
- Does this support my goals for this quarter?
- What will this cost me in other areas of life I’ve deemed important?
When you’re deeply honest about your season—whether it’s a season of scaling, sustaining, or simplifying—you create a filter that makes decision-making easier and regret-free.
Step 3: Know Who You’re Becoming
You’re always in a state of becoming. Every yes, every boundary, every project you take on is a vote for the person and business you’re building.
So instead of asking, “What do I need to do today?” try asking:
Who am I becoming by doing this?
That shift will show you which actions are truly aligned and which ones are habits of an old version of yourself that you’re ready to grow beyond.
This part is where the magic happens. Because sometimes we’re stuck trying to make the “right” decision when the real power is in making a clear decision—one that moves you in the direction you actually want to go.
My Personal Examples
I shared two stories on the podcast that were pivotal for me. One was an offer to co-host a podcast. The other was an opportunity to speak on a photography stage. Both were good opportunities. Both were flattering and aligned on paper. But I said no to each of them.
Why? Because neither was aligned with the season I was in or the version of me I wanted to become.
I didn’t want to be a co-host—I wanted to build a solo show. And I didn’t want to miss out on a tender season of newborn life for a speaking gig. Those decisions were hard, but they were clear. And they taught me that clarity is a kindness I can give myself.
Tools for Making Better Decisions
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, here are three tools I return to regularly:
1. Journal About It: Let the thoughts, fears, and ideas come out freely. Journaling helps you hear your own voice without filters.
2. Pray About It: Invite God into the process. Ask for peace, for clarity, and for doors to close if it’s not the right path.
3. Sleep On It: Clarity often comes with rest. Decide when you’ll decide—and give yourself space to hear yourself clearly.
What If You Get It Wrong?
Here’s the truth: almost no decision is final. Even if you make a choice that doesn’t pan out, you gain wisdom. You learn. You recalibrate.
Stop striving for perfect decisions. Instead, aim for aligned ones.
Let your future self be your compass, not your past habits.
You don’t have to do it all. You just need to decide what moves you forward with peace.
When you know what matters, the noise fades. When you know your season, you stop overcommitting. When you know who you’re becoming, your direction becomes obvious.
Start there.
Find It Quickly
- 0:59 – Listener’s Question: What to Focus On?
- 02:52 – Personal Stories: Making Tough Choices
- 07:30 – Defining Priorities and Values
- 19:19 – Practical Steps for Decision Making
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