Tough decisions can leave you overthinking and anxious for days, weeks or longer. My thoughts run a mile a minute when I have to make a big decision or resolve conflict.

To combat feeling stuck and lost on what to do, I like to journal all my options, make a pros/cons list, weigh potential outcomes and release all my thoughts.

Journaling to help make a tough decision is easier said than done. When you’re unsure where to start or don’t know how to describe your thoughts, you’re in the right spot.

Here are journal prompts to assist you when you're struggling to make a tough decision:

What am I truly afraid will happen if I make this choice?
If I wasn’t worried about disappointing anyone, what would I choose?
Which option feels heavy and which one feels peaceful?
What would my future self want me to do right now?
What am I trying to protect by avoiding this decision?
What evidence do I have that I’m capable of handling the outcome?
What would I tell my best friend who was facing the exact same choice?
What is the worst-case scenario and how would I cope with it?
What is the best-case scenario and why does it matter to me?
Is this decision aligned with who I’m becoming or who I used to be?
What small step could help me gain clarity today?
What is my body telling me about this? Where do I feel tension or relief?

What do I need to feel certain or supported before choosing?
What expectations am I holding that might not be mine?
How would I act if I trusted myself completely?
What past experience is influencing how I feel about this decision?
What outcome am I secretly hoping for?
What outcome am I secretly scared of?
What values do I want to honor in this moment?
If no one ever found out what I chose, what would I do?
What do I need to let go of before I decide?
What is my intuition whispering beneath the noise?
How would my life look one year after each choice?
What am I pretending not to know?

How do I want to feel after making this choice?
What version of myself am I choosing to become with each option?
How much of my hesitation is rooted in fear?
What am I learning about myself through this decision?
What would the most compassionate version of me want?
If I trusted that everything would work out, what would I pick?
What small, safe step could I take toward one option to test clarity?
What consequences am I worried about that may not even happen?
What consequences am I willing to accept?
What advice would my wiser, future self give me today?
How does each option impact my mental health long-term?
What am I sacrificing by not choosing?
What am I gaining by taking my time?

perhaps the most liberating moment in your life is when you finally see that the self loathing you carry isn’t proof of your inadequacy. shifting this truth changes everything and opens the door to gentler self love ✨💞 #selflove #healingjourney #mentalhealthmatters #growthmindset #selftrust innerhealing

keep going, baby girl. even when life feels heavy, even when the path looks unclear, you’re moving in ways that matter. every small step, every moment you choose to try again, is shaping a stronger, softer, braver version of you. don’t stop now 💗✨ #selflovejourney #healinggrowth #gentlestrength

choosing to water my own garden instead of waiting for rain 🪴 my growth is in my hands, and I’m the one responsible for cultivating my own happiness and success. #selfgrowth #takeaction #nurtureyourself #ownyourjourney #selfempowerment growthmindset personaldevelopment

be you. 💗 fully, unapologetically, without editing yourself to fit anyone else’s idea of perfect. your quirks, your softness, your strength, they all make you unique and magnetic. #selflovejourney #authenticself #ownyourmagic

be confident. you’re so gorgeous. not just in how you look, but in how you think, love, grow, and show up in this world. confidence comes from knowing your worth and refusing to dim your light for anyone. let yourself shine without apology 🌸 #selflovejourney #confidenceboost #ownyourbeauty

I don’t have to be everything to everyone. I just have to be enough for me, and that’s more than enough 🤍 #selflove #selfworth #youareenough #selfacceptance #boundaries

I’m learning that the new me doesn’t settle for less than I deserve. setting boundaries and holding standards is part of my growth and self-respect. the more I honor myself, the stronger and freer I feel every day ✨ #selflove #healingjourney #selfgrowth #selfworth #mentalwellness

as I grow in self love, I naturally attract relationships that align with my energy. I no longer settle for less than what I deserve, because I know I am worthy of love that nurtures and supports me 💭 #selflove #selfworth #healingjourney #selfgrowthaffirmations #affirmationsforwomen

I’m finally giving myself the grace I used to save for everyone else. I’m learning to love the girl I’m becoming by choosing patience, softness and honesty, even on the hard days 🌼✨ #selflove #healingjourney #selfgrowth #selfworth #gentlereminders

I no longer settle for potential. I deserve certainty and the assurance of what truly aligns with me 🫧 #selfworth #knowyourvalue #selfrespect #confidence #boundaries

What am I telling myself that keeps me stuck?
What would a “courageous” choice look like?
What would a “gentle” choice look like?
Which option aligns with the life I’m trying to build?
What do I need more: comfort or growth?
What is the emotional cost of each option?
What is the practical cost of each option?
What would I choose if I wasn’t trying to be perfect?
What support do I need during this decision?
What truth am I avoiding because it’s uncomfortable?

more journal prompts:

Complete list of self love diaries’ journal prompts!

journal prompts for when you're struggling to make a tough decision

affirmations for when you're healing from rejection

reminders for the days you want to reach out to your ex again