[Sundays Deeps #8] Indecision is ruining your life... here's how to stop it!

in 3 simple steps.

Before we discuss about today’s topic — how to stop indecision— I have an announcement to make.

I’m rethinking how I can help you with this newsletter and I’m working on an idea that is quite different to anything I’ve seen so far.

I’m still brainstorming and prototyping so I’m not sure about the final result and I won’t say more than that it will be a different experience for you (and me).

I aim to make it more valuable and impactful because I’m grateful you take the time to read me.

On a personal note, I’m moving house which will make me extra busy in the next 2 weeks, with a likely disruption of internet access.

This means you’ll get fewer emails. (maybe it’s a good thing?)

Anyways…

What’s the topic again?

Indecision.

That’s a complex topic that I want to investigate more. By pure curiosity— my scientific activity is focused on understanding how biological cells make decisions— and because I struggle with that.

Like a lot.

This week I spent hours in the indecision hell about which note-taking/productivity app I would use, both for the lab and the business.

Far too much time and mental bandwidth instead of doing actual work. Quite unproductive.

And it’s not new. Over my career and life, that’s one of the main issues I have in terms of productivity (Ok, I also made bad choices, but that’s another story).

By some sort of serendipity, my X “friend” (sounds weird to write that, thanks Elon!) Darren Matthews sent this tweet:

This made me think more about why I was having such a problem deciding (fear of failure and others’ opinion, not being enough, lack of self-love…) and how I could use his 3 step framework to evolve towards being someone who makes decisions easily and quickly — a fundamental skill for success.

The Framework to Combat Indecision

Step 1: Clarity Is Your Best Friend

First, get clear on your goals and understand the why behind your actions.

Why write this post? Why choose this topic?

Step 2: Embrace Your Inner Scientist

Next, we're turning you into a scientist. Set up metrics to measure your progress.

That’s a part I miss a lot. I should know better as a scientist myself, but hey, never too late.

Did someone read your post? Did it resonate?

Step 3: Pivot Without Mercy

If something doesn't work, change it.

Yes, it’s that simple. Didn’t get the reaction you hoped for? Pivot. Be relentless in your pursuit of what works.

The Secret Sauce: Embrace Uncertainty

Here’s where things started to click more in my brain: uncertainty is not your enemy, it's progress in disguise.

The paradox of indecision is that certainty lies within embracing the uncertainty.

After all, it’s very reassuring to know that whatever decision you make, you’ll get feedback in one way or the other.

You will get closer to finding the knowledge you seek, the outcome you want. Each time.

It’s the certainty behind any experimentation.

So your willingness — your bravery I should say— to step into the unknown, to experiment and to learn from each outcome, is what drives progress.

Takeaway

Every creator/entrepreneur faces this battle.

But armed with clarity, feedback, and a willingness to pivot, you're not just fighting indecision; you're turning it into a tool for growth.

That’s what I used to decide to experiment with the new type of newsletter you’ll get soon.

1. Clarity: yep, this will align with what I want to build.

2. Feedback: will it work? No idea, but it’s only by doing it that I will know if it’s a good match for both you and me. I will see from the comments I get or not. My metrics will be your interest in what I create and how I feel about it. Not fully quantitative, but that’s enough.

3. Pivot: I’m ready to change until I find what works.

What decision(s) are you avoiding to make right now?

Be great,

Frank