Tell me if this sounds familiar.

You go to make a decision.

It seems relatively simple and straightforward.

And then you do what you are supposed to do when you make decisions.

You read reviews, ask your friends, make pros and cons lists, and consider edge cases and nuance.

And suddenly, your simple decision seems massively complex. Like you’re in the middle of a giant ball of yarn and can’t get out.

I used to think when I found myself in the complex middle that I had done something wrong. But now I’ve realized it’s actually part of the process.

It’s called “research.”

It’s supposed to be confusing. We’re supposed to consider edge cases and nuance. We’re supposed to play “what if” games. We’re supposed to spend some time in the complex middle.

The question is, how do we get out of the complex middle?

The answer is, you get quiet.

Let me explain.

After you’ve done the research, after you’ve done the homework, after you’ve considered the edge cases and the nuance… you get quiet.

For some people, that may look like sun salutations and a walk. For others, it means prayer and meditation.

I ask myself: What feels right?

And again, it’s important to emphasize you’re relying on what feels right after you’ve done the homework.

So next time you find yourself stuck in the complex middle, don’t get frustrated. Realize it’s part of the process. And the next step is to get quiet and feel what’s right.