Getting Clearer with Age: What I’m Learning About Decision-Making
I used to think clarity was about knowing exactly what to do… Now I know better
For most of my life, I thought clarity meant certainty. That if I could just think long enough, analyze hard enough, or weigh every possible outcome, I’d land on the perfect decision—the one with no regrets, no second-guessing, no what-ifs.
But now, as I approach 50, I see clarity differently. It’s not about knowing everything ahead of time. It’s about trusting yourself enough to move forward anyway.
And honestly? That shift has changed everything.
The Myth of the “Perfect” Decision
Women in their 40s and 50s have spent decades making decisions—some big, some small, some that felt right in the moment but later led us somewhere unexpected.
We’re taught to be careful, to weigh our options, to not make impulsive choices. And while thoughtfulness has its place, I’ve realized that sometimes the endless search for certainty is just fear in disguise.
Because here’s the truth:
There is no perfect career move, only the next right step.
There is no perfect relationship decision, only the choice that aligns with who you are today.
There is no perfect way to navigate life’s transitions, only the willingness to trust that you’ll figure things out as you go.
Clarity Comes from Action, Not Overthinking
I used to believe that if I just thought hard enough, clarity would magically appear. But what I’ve learned is that clarity isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build.
The biggest decisions in my life—the ones that truly mattered—became clear only after I started taking small steps forward.
That’s the key:
You don’t have to see the entire map before you begin. The path reveals itself as you move.
When I work with clients, we create a roadmap for their next steps—but that roadmap isn’t built from overthinking. It’s built from exploring options, making intentional choices, and allowing clarity to emerge through action.
Try this:
Instead of asking, “What’s the right decision?”, ask yourself:
What feels aligned for me right now?
What’s one small action I can take today to move forward?
How can I create a plan that allows room for growth and change?
Clarity doesn’t mean having all the answers upfront. It means trusting yourself enough to start—and knowing that each step forward helps shape the path ahead.
The Power of Letting Yourself Change
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: It’s okay to change your mind.
It’s okay to wake up one day and realize the career you spent decades building no longer fits.
It’s okay to acknowledge that a relationship you fought for isn’t the right one anymore.
It’s okay to admit that the version of yourself you spent years becoming isn’t the person you want to be moving forward.
We don’t have to stay locked into old decisions just because we made them. We are allowed to evolve.
And journaling has helped me see that more clearly than anything else.
A Simple Way to Start Gaining Clarity
If you’re struggling with a big decision—or just feeling uncertain about where you are in life—try this:
Instead of asking, “What’s the right decision?” ask yourself, “What feels aligned for me right now?”
Then, grab a journal and explore:
What am I afraid of when it comes to making this decision?
If I weren’t worried about what others think, what would I do?
What’s one small action I can take to move forward, even if I don’t have all the answers?
You might be surprised at what comes up.
Getting Clearer with Age Means Getting Clearer with Yourself
As I’m approaching 50, I’m not looking for perfect answers anymore. I’m looking for the choices that make me feel most like myself.
And that’s what I want for you, too.
If you’re in a season of uncertainty—whether about your career, relationships, or just the direction of your life—know this:
You don’t need perfect clarity to move forward. You just need enough trust in yourself to take the next step.
P.S. Ready to go deeper?
If you’re navigating a major life transition or just need to get some clarity, I can help. My coaching sessions are designed to help you gain clarity, set boundaries, and move forward with confidence. I can also help you find the right place to do it—whether that means discovering a location that aligns with your energy or making a move that truly feels like home. Subscribe Below to the site to be kept in the loop on some exciting opportunities that are coming!
