Five Tips for Making Better Decisions—Especially During Divorce
5 Tips for Making Better Decisions—Especially During Divorce
Making decisions can feel stressful in the best of times. Add divorce into the mix, and suddenly even the smallest choices feel like they carry the weight of the world. I’ve been there, and I’ve also walked alongside clients who’ve struggled with the very same thing. Over time, I’ve noticed a few practices that consistently help people make better decisions—clearer, calmer, and more confident.
1. Sleep on it
I remember once agonizing late into the night over whether to agree to a complicated scheduling request. I kept turning it over in my mind, convinced I had to respond immediately. Instead, I finally decided to leave it until morning. When I woke up, I realized the solution was actually quite simple—and far less dramatic than I had made it in my exhausted state. A good night’s sleep has a way of quieting the noise so you can see what really matters.
2. Don’t rush
One of my clients once felt pressured to sign a financial document on the spot because her ex’s lawyer made it sound “urgent.” She panicked and almost signed just to get the moment over with. Thankfully, she paused and said, “I need time to think this over.” That pause saved her from agreeing to terms that weren’t in her best interest. Taking time isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
3. Stick to the facts
Emotions can run high during divorce, and it’s easy to make assumptions. I once assumed I couldn’t afford something simply because it “felt” out of reach. When I finally sat down with the actual numbers, the story looked very different. Facts are grounding. And if you don’t have the full picture, ask the questions you need to ask until you do. Guesswork rarely leads to the best outcome.
4. Stay open-minded
This one is hard for me personally. I like to think I’ve considered all the angles, but more than once, someone has suggested a solution I hadn’t thought of—and it turned out to be exactly what was needed. One client resisted the idea of a parenting app to manage communication with her ex, but when she finally tried it, it reduced tension dramatically.
5. Set boundaries for yourself
A friend of mine once fell in love with a house that was way outside her budget. It checked all the boxes emotionally, but financially it would have been a disaster. Because she had already set clear boundaries with herself—“I will not spend more than X”—she was able to walk away. Boundaries aren’t about limiting you; they’re about protecting you. And this is especially true when going through a divorce. Boundaries with your ex may feel uncomfortable at first, but they’re essential for your mental health and long-term peace.
The bottom line: Good decision-making isn’t about being perfect—it’s about giving yourself space, sticking to the facts, staying open to possibilities, and honoring the boundaries that keep you safe. Divorce may be one of the hardest chapters of your life, but it can also be a training ground for making stronger, healthier decisions that serve you long after the paperwork is done. Setting yourself up for success in your next chapter is what it is all about!
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