Simplify Your Life: 7 Decision-Making Models for More Time and Less Stress
Have you ever felt like you are constantly on the edge of burnout, juggling tasks that seem never-ending, while feeling like you are drifting further away from your true priorities? You are not alone. Many of us find ourselves saying "yes" far too often—to projects, to meetings, to commitments that drain us—leaving us with little energy to devote to what really matters.
I remember the moment when my entire world shifted. I had just learned that my husband was going to serve a year-long deployment, and our twins were only between the ages of 1.5 and 2.5 years old. I stood there, processing what that year would look like—juggling motherhood with leading a sales team across five states while doing weekly overnight travel. The weight of it was almost unbearable. I knew that if I didn’t make some profound changes, I would crumble under the pressure.
While I had an incredible support system of family and friends, I also realized something critical: support can only go so far. If I didn’t set boundaries and prioritize my energy, no amount of help would prevent burnout. So, I began implementing strategies to protect my time, safeguard my mental health, and focus on what truly mattered. This wasn’t just about managing a demanding career; it was about surviving emotionally and physically while raising two toddlers and maintaining some semblance of balance in the chaos.
The truth is that learning to set boundaries is one of the most empowering skills you can develop. It’s not about rejecting opportunities; it’s about making space for the right ones. But knowing when and how to say no can be difficult. That’s why I’m sharing with you seven decision-making models that can help you filter out the noise, reclaim your energy, and focus on the tasks that genuinely move the needle in your life and career.
7 Decision-Making Models to Reclaim Your Energy
1. The Eisenhower Matrix
The Eisenhower Matrix became a daily practice during that year of deployment. It helped me categorize tasks into four quadrants:
Important and urgent: Handle these immediately, no excuses.
Important but not urgent: Schedule these and make sure they don’t slip through the cracks.
Not important but urgent: Delegate whether it's extra help from a colleague or extra help at home.
Not important and not urgent: These got eliminated. No hesitation.
This matrix will help you clear your plate of unnecessary noise, allowing you to focus on what truly deserves my attention every day.
2. The 80/20 Rule
Identify the 20% of your efforts that are driving 80% of your results, whether that is in your career or at home. At work, I focused on the key accounts with the highest revenue potential. At home, I focused on daily routines such as meal prep and establishing a predictable bedtime for the twins to keep our family running smoothly.
Everything else? I learned to delegate it or let it go. I couldn’t afford to spend my limited energy on low-impact activities.
3. The 2-Minute Rule ⏱️
One of the most helpful tips I implemented was the 2-Minute Rule. If I could tackle a task in under two minutes, I’d handle it on the spot. This prevented tasks from piling up and gave me quick wins throughout the day. Clearing away the small, easy-to-handle tasks gave me the mental clarity to focus on the larger, more critical aspects of my job and home life.
4. Warren Buffet’s 25/5 Rule
As I balanced running a sales team while caring for my twins, I turned to Warren Buffet’s 25/5 Rule. I listed everything I wanted to accomplish—both work and personal—and then ruthlessly narrowed it down to the top 5 priorities. The remaining 20 were set aside, no matter how tempting they seemed. This helped me avoid spreading myself too thin. I didn’t have the luxury of chasing every opportunity or saying yes to every request, no matter how attractive.
This rule ensured I stayed laser-focused on the most critical goals for both my family and my career, without feeling like I was constantly falling behind.
5. The ABCDE Method
When your to-do list is miles long, the ABCDE Method provides a clear path forward. I would categorize tasks:
A: Must do (highest priority),
B: Should do (important, but less urgent),
C: Nice to do (but could wait),
D: Delegate,
E: Eliminate.
This method gave me the clarity I needed, especially on the days when I felt like everything was important. It allowed me to prioritize based on the true impact each task would have, ensuring I didn’t waste precious energy.
6. The "Heck Yes" Test
During that intense year, I adopted the "Heck Yes" Test. If I didn’t immediately feel like a task or opportunity was a "Heck yes!" then it became an automatic no. This simple but powerful filter kept me from overcommitting to things that didn’t excite or benefit me. I only said yes to things that felt aligned with my priorities or sparked genuine enthusiasm.
7. The 10/10/10 Rule
I also leaned heavily on the 10/10/10 Rule when faced with tough decisions. I asked myself:
How will I feel about this decision in 10 minutes?
How will I feel about it in 10 months?
How will I feel about it in 10 years?
This method forced me to look beyond the immediate stress or pressure and consider the long-term impact of my choices. Would taking on one more project at work make a real difference, or would it just add unnecessary stress? Would skipping a late-night meeting mean I had more energy to play with my kids the next morning? This framework gave me permission to say no to the things that wouldn’t matter in the grand scheme.
Know How to Set Boundaries (With Grace)
Through that challenging year, I learned that the art of setting boundaries is more than just a skill—it’s a necessity. But setting boundaries doesn’t have to damage relationships or close doors. Here are some strategies I used to maintain boundaries without burning bridges.
1. Discuss Existing Commitments
"I’d love to assist; however, I have other obligations that I must prioritize." This approach shows respect while being clear that you have other responsibilities. It helps maintain professional relationships without taking on more than you can handle.
2. Offer Constructive Feedback Instead
"I have a commitment and am unable to join; however, I'm happy to offer feedback or advice if that would be helpful." This lets you remain helpful without overextending yourself.
3. Politely Decline With Gratitude
"I appreciate you considering me for this project. I'm at capacity with current projects, perhaps I can recommend someone who can help." It's a straightforward and polite way to let someone know that you're fully committed elsewhere.
4. Offer Alternative Forms of Support
"While I can't be directly involved, I can help by providing resources or connecting you with someone who can." This allows you to stay connected to the project without overcommitting.
5. Reprioritize Projects
"Thank you so much for thinking of me. I am currently on a time commitment with a project. If this one is time-sensitive, perhaps we can discuss reprioritizing the projects I am working on." This option leaves room for negotiation, especially when the request is particularly important.
6. Say No by Not Committing to a Yes
"Let me check my schedule and get back to you." This gives you time to reflect and decide without pressure.
Reclaim Your Time, Protect Your Energy
Looking back on that year, I know for certain that my ability to set boundaries and prioritize activities was my lifeline. Setting boundaries wasn’t just about surviving; it was about thriving in a season that demanded more than I ever thought possible. By using these decision-making models, I was able to protect my time, prioritize what truly mattered, and avoid burnout.
Saying no isn’t about rejecting opportunities—it’s about making room for the right ones. By learning how to say no with grace, you protect your energy and preserve your most important relationships. And in the end, that’s what really matters.
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Meet 🌟 Danielle Cobo, CVP
