If you’re stuck making a tough choice, try this: pretend you’re deciding for a friend instead of yourself.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Take the decision you’re wrestling with and imagine a close friend came to you with the exact same problem.

2. Ask yourself what advice you’d give them. What would you want for them? What would you tell them to do?

3. Now, apply that same advice to your own situation.

Why does this help? Research calls this “Solomon’s Paradox” - it shows that people are better at giving wise, clear advice when it’s for someone else, not themselves. When it’s your own problem, emotions and self-doubt cloud your judgment. Stepping back mentally, as if you’re an outsider, helps you see the situation more clearly and make a better call.

Use this anytime you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or second-guessing yourself. It’s a quick mental trick that cuts through the noise and helps you tap into the clear thinking you already have but can’t see right away. Think of it as your brain’s way of giving you a fresh perspective without needing to walk away or sleep on it.