You’re at Decision Café, scrolling through the menu of life choices, and someone hands you a magic rewind button. What if you could hit “rewind” on five major decisions you’ve made in the past? What would you order differently? Chances are, those choices would dramatically shift your current reality—and for the better.

But here’s the kicker: whether it was 10 years ago or last week, many of us are where we are because of decisions that seemed “good enough” at the time but lacked something crucial. So, if you’re ready to stop relying on autopilot and start making decisions that truly align with what you want in life, let’s dive into the big six traps that lead to regret—and, most importantly, how to dodge them like a pro.

1. Skipping the Groundwork: A Recipe for Regret

Not knowing all the relevant details? That’s like going grocery shopping without a list, and we all know how that usually ends. Sure, it’s not always possible to gather every last nugget of data, but diving in headfirst without doing even a bit of legwork? That’s a recipe for regret.

The truth is, just a few extra minutes (or even days) of information gathering can make a world of difference. It’s a bit like dating someone you barely know—it might seem fun in the short term, but do you really want to find out months down the line that they’re into mime shows and celery juice cleanses?

2. Letting Fear Drive (or, More Accurately, Swerve)

Now, there’s no faster way to take your life off course than letting fear steer the wheel. Decisions driven by fear aren’t usually decisions in the truest sense—they’re panic-induced reactions. Sure, moving away from the scary thing sounds appealing, but if you’re choosing solely to escape a threat, you’re likely spinning in circles.

Wise decisions come from moving toward something worthwhile, not just sprinting away from a vague sense of doom. Picture this: you’re in a haunted house and just want to get out, so you run in any direction…only to bump into the very thing you were trying to avoid. Life’s much the same—running from the “scary” without a real goal in mind often just lands you right back in the same place.

If fear is still driving you check out the book Slap Fear in The Face for strategic methods to combat fear.

3. No Clear Objective? Say Hello to a Muddle of Meh

If you’re about to make a decision and don’t have a clear objective, it’s a lot like going to a buffet with no idea what you’re in the mood for. Your options are endless: you might go for cost (hello, mac and cheese), convenience (instant noodles), taste (dessert station), or comfort (the endless breadsticks).

Now, imagine that each of these options leads to a different future. The mac and cheese decision, maybe, gives you a cheap and cheerful experience but leaves you wanting more. The dessert overload, on the other hand, has a high chance of regret later on. So, what’s your objective here? Are you aiming for something healthy, low-cost, or maybe just a good story? Get clear on what you want, and you’ll make decisions that feed your long-term goals instead of just your immediate cravings. if you need help getting clear on your decisions, book a Solve It Session with a coach who can help you solve the issue in sixty minutes or less.

4. Emotions at the Helm? Brace for a Bumpy Ride

Strong emotions and wise decisions rarely mix well. When you’re fired up, your brain takes a one-way trip down the impulsive decision-making highway. That’s why those middle-of-the-night texts seem like a good idea…until morning.

In moments of emotional overload, give yourself time to cool down before acting. Imagine you’re a judge on a big case (that case, of course, is your own life), and as a good judge, you’d wait to give a verdict until you’ve heard all the arguments—and aren’t feeling like you want to throw something at the defense. Then you can make a calm, wise decision that’ll thank you later.

5. The Comfort Trap: The Real Opponent of Progress

Comfort is like that one friend who says, “Come on, just relax, have another donut…” It sounds tempting, but it’s not exactly helping you reach your goals. If all your decisions are based on what feels comfortable right now, you’re setting yourself up for some long-term dissatisfaction.

Think about the people you admire. Chances are, they push through the tough stuff daily. They’re out there doing things that most would pass on because they know that comfort, while cozy, is rarely where growth happens. The more discomfort you can tolerate, the faster you’ll grow, improve, and edge toward success.

6. The Wisdom of Hindsight: Failing to Learn from the Past

Imagine ignoring every lesson from your past poor decisions—that’s a surefire way to make the same mistakes over and over. Think about the last major flop you had (we all have one or two): What went wrong? What could you do differently next time?

Learning from the past is like building a map to your future, marking out where not to tread again. And here’s the secret: each of those poor choices adds value if you let it. Reflect, adapt, and next time you’re at a similar crossroads, you’ll have a sharper sense of where to go.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

If you can master the art of wise decision-making, you’re setting yourself up for a more satisfying, fulfilling life. The key? Take a moment to recognize when you’re falling into these six traps. Ask yourself the right questions, clarify your objectives, and take the wheel from those emotions. After all, the wisest decision you’ll make is the one to take control of your choices now—without the need for a time machine.

Welcome to Decision Café, where each choice is an opportunity to craft the life you want! If you want to coach with us or take a challenge get in touch below.