Ever spent 30 minutes or more rewriting a simple text message?
Going back and forth on what to say in a reply that should take seconds?
I used to do this all the time.
I’d get a message for a small request. If it was something I didn’t want to do, I’d sit there trying to find the “right” way to respond so I didn’t offend them. Before I knew it, I’d been staring at the keypad for over 20 minutes, wondering where the time had gone.
I got fed up with how much time I was wasting on overanalysing small decisions.
This is the simple rule I used to get my time back, which might help you too.
The 10-Minute Decision Game
Step 1: Set a timer (start with 10 minutes)
You can set the timer for whatever time you want, but having a short window stops you from dragging it out longer than it needs to be.
Step 2: Make the decision before the timer ends
Instead of sitting there going back and forth, you just decide. It builds momentum instead of hesitation.
Step 3: No re-checking or second-guessing once you’ve decided
This was a big one for me, but it cuts the overthinking loop immediately.
Bonus: Reduce the time over time
Once 10 minutes starts to feel like more than enough, lower it.
5 minutes → 2 minutes → eventually you won’t need a timer at all.
Where This Works Best
I’ve used the ‘10-minute game’ for smaller decisions. You’ll probably want more time for bigger life decisions, but this is for the everyday things that sneakily eat your time.
Sending messages or emails
Choosing what to do with your free time
Small purchases
Planning and organising mini events
Anything small you keep second-guessing
What This Replaces
Going back and forth in your head
Delaying simple decisions
Trying to make the “perfect” choice
Quick Prompts (if you catch yourself overthinking)
These are the ones I use when I notice myself slipping back into procrastination mode
General decisions
Do I already know what I want to do?
Why can’t I decide?
Messages
What do I actually want to say?
What would I say if I didn’t overthink it?
Buying something
Do I really want this, or am I just unsure for no reason?
Keep it Playful
Letting go of overthinking can feel like a game if you keep things light and fun.
One of the things I noticed was how clearer my mind became when I stopped second-guessing every decision.
Try it on something small and see how it feels for you.