How to Make Decisions When You’re Stuck in the Grey

How to Make Decisions When You’re Stuck in the Grey

The Grey Zone in Real Life

First, let’s normalize being stuck. Feeling unsure doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong—it means you care enough to weigh your options. Maybe you’re deciding between two career opportunities, debating whether to start a new fitness routine, or just trying to figure out what’s for dinner (yes, even the small stuff can trip us up!).

For me, I’ve been living in several grey areas lately. One of the biggest? My business, Root + Renew. Like any entrepreneur, I constantly face decisions that don’t have clear right or wrong answers. Should we invest in a new product formulations now or wait for more market feedback? Should we tweak our branding or keep the messaging consistent? There’s no definitive roadmap for these choices, which can feel paralyzing. Sometimes I catch myself waiting for perfect clarity before taking the next step—when really, momentum often matters more than certainty.

A recent grey area for me was deciding whether to commit to my first half marathon. I’d been running for fun but wasn’t sure I was “ready.” What if I wasn’t fast enough? What if I hated it halfway through? After weeks of indecision, I signed up—but then the race was canceled. Now I’m training for the Prague Half Marathon, part of the Superhalfs series. The catch? I’m not sure if I’ll complete the whole series or just this one race. It’s a grey area where I’m learning to embrace uncertainty and focus on the journey instead of the outcome, while not letting self-doubt overpower my mindset.

And then there’s the other grey area I’ve been navigating: my “situationship.” Let’s just say it’s been a bit like overtime on the pitch—plenty of exciting plays, a little confusion, and moments where you think you’ve secured a win, the dynamics shift again only to realize it’s still anyone’s game. We’re figuring things out, and while it’s messy and undefined, it’s also teaching me to stay present, not overthink and let things unfold naturally in whatever direction it will take or simply throwing in the towel all together.

These experiences have reminded me that the grey zone is a part of life—sometimes frustrating, often uncomfortable, but always an opportunity to grow. Whether it’s in business, fitness, or life, perfection is a myth. The best way forward is often just taking one small step, even when the outcome feels unclear.

If you’re in the grey right now too, know this: you’re not alone. Take it one step at a time, and trust that clarity will come when the time is right.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Priorities

When you’re in the grey, start by asking yourself, ‘What really matters here?’ Strip away the noise and focus on your core priorities. If you’re trying to choose between two options, think about how each aligns with your values or long-term goals.

For example, with the half marathon decision, I asked myself: Why did I start running (seriously) in the first place? The answer was clear—I wanted to challenge myself and build mental and physical strength. Signing up for the race felt scary, but it aligned with my goals more than staying in my comfort zone.

Pro tip: Write down your top three priorities. Seeing them on paper can give you clarity when your mind feels cluttered.

Step 2: Break It Down

Big decisions can feel overwhelming because we lump everything together. Instead, break the decision into smaller pieces.

• What do I know for sure? Start with the facts.

• What am I uncertain about? Identify the unknowns.

• What’s one small step I can take today? Focus on what’s actionable.

When I was debating the half marathon, I realized I didn’t have to commit to the full training plan right away. My first step? Researching local races. Once I found one that fit my schedule, the decision felt less intimidating.

Step 3: Try It On

Sometimes, you don’t know how a decision will feel until you “try it on.” Imagine what life would look like if you made one choice over another.

• Does it excite you?

• Does it scare you (in a good way)?

• Does it leave you feeling uneasy?

For me, imagining race day—the energy, the finish line, and the sense of accomplishment—made me realize I wanted that experience. If you can, take a small action to test the waters.

Thinking about switching up your fitness routine? Try a single class or workout before committing. Unsure about a big career move? Have an exploratory conversation with someone in that field.

Step 4: Let Go of Perfection

This one’s big: no decision is 100% perfect. Every choice comes with pros and cons, and waiting for the “right” answer will keep you stuck. Instead, aim for a decision that feels right enough.

Ask yourself, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ Often, the worst-case scenario isn’t as bad as we think. And even if it doesn’t work out, you’ll gain valuable experience to guide your next decision.

Step 5: Commit and Move Forward

Once you’ve made your decision, commit to it. Don’t second-guess or dwell on “what ifs.” Instead, focus your energy on making the most of your choice.

When I finally signed up for the race, I felt a wave of relief. I stopped debating and started training. The decision wasn’t perfect—I still had doubts—but moving forward felt a thousand times better than staying stuck.

The Grey Zone is Where Growth Happens

Living in the grey isn’t easy, but it’s where we learn, grow, and get to know ourselves better. Every decision, even the small ones, is a chance to practice trusting yourself and building momentum.

So, if you’re feeling stuck right now, take a deep breath. You don’t need all the answers today. Start with one small step, and remember—you’re capable of figuring it out.

I’d love to hear from you: what’s a grey area decision you’re facing? Hit reply and share—I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way.

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Stuck in the Grey? These 10 Books Will Change Your Perspective

Life is full of grey areas, and these 10 books have been my compass when the path feels unclear. Each one offers tools to navigate uncertainty—whether it’s shifting your mindset, building better habits, or embracing imperfection. They remind me that growth often happens in the in-between moments, where nothing is black and white but everything is possible. If you’re looking for clarity or a fresh perspective, start with one of these—you might just find your next breakthrough.

1️⃣ Want a new perspective? Mindset - Carol Dweck

2️⃣ Struggling to stick to goals? Atomic Habits - James Clear

3️⃣ Need daily calm? The Daily Stoic - Ryan Holiday

4️⃣ Skeptical about mindfulness? 10% Happier - Dan Harris

5️⃣ Overthinking? How to Stop Worrying & Start Living - Dale Carnegie

6️⃣ Focused on longevity and overall health? Outlive - Peter Attia

7️⃣ Need better financial hygiene or bored with budgeting? I Will Teach You To Be Rich - Ramit Sethi

8️⃣ Need a reminder that you’re not alone in this? A Gentle Reminder - Bianca Sparacino 

9️⃣ Stuck in life or career? Tribe of Mentors - Tim Ferriss

🔟 Curious about how your mind works? Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman

Which one will you read next? What should I add to this list?