Simple and Small: A Practical Guide to Clearer Decisions

Life is full of moving parts—big choices, endless responsibilities, constant noise. It can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: at its core, life comes down to simple decisions.

Yes or no.

That’s it.

Think about it. “Shall I accept this job?” Yes or no. “Shall we have kids?” Yes or no. “Shall I go for a run?” Yes or no. The outcomes may be significant, but the act of deciding is usually straightforward.

Even complex choices can be broken down. Buying a house? Yes. Three bedrooms? No. Four bedrooms? Yes. This neighbourhood? Yes. By reducing questions to simple steps, your intuition has space to surface. When everything feels complicated, clarity comes from distilling decisions down to their core.

Why This Matters

A simple decision can carry enormous consequences. Choosing to have children, for example, is a yes-or-no question. Yet that one choice will shape generations. The ripple effects are vast, but you don’t need to calculate every possibility. You just need to answer the question in front of you.

On the other hand, small everyday decisions often go unnoticed—but they can be just as powerful. Deciding to attend a concert alone might lead to meeting a future partner, discovering a passion, or even changing careers. These quick, intuitive choices shape your life in ways you may only see later.

This post is inspired by Barely Zen: A Completely Unscientific Guide To Life by Steve Marsh. For more practical insights purchase the full book.

How to Apply This

1. Break it down. When a decision feels heavy, reduce it to its yes-or-no core. Strip away the noise.

2. Trust your intuition. Once simplified, listen to your gut. Complex questions cloud instinct; simple ones free it.

3. Don’t overthink the small stuff. Everyday decisions don’t need analysis. Go with your flow—these often bring surprising opportunities.

4. Recognise the ripple. Understand that even small choices add colour to your life, like brushstrokes in a painting or grains of sand forming a beach.

The Takeaway

Life isn’t about mastering every variable—it’s about moving forward, one decision at a time. Keep it simple. Keep it small. Ask yes or no, and trust yourself to take the next step.

Clarity lives in simplicity. The more you practise distilling decisions, the easier it becomes to move forward with confidence.