The average adult makes 33,000 to 35,000 total decisions each day. Many of these happen automatically and simultaneously through the information we’ve subconsciously stored about what is “good” or “bad.” But some decisions are heavier and need conscious thinking. Writing or journaling can help. The practice of daily writing interrupts this “autopilot mode” and invites us to live our lives more intentionally.

• You make more balanced decisions. The act of physically writing employs both the right and left sides of the brain. Both sides need to work together to externally express the contents of the mind. The logical, rational side is employed so that feelings can’t exclusively run the show, and the creative and imaginative side is employed so that we can see beyond black-and-white, limiting thinking.
• You will be able to break down complex decisions. Our working memory can only hold around three to four items at a time, the same way our hands can only hold a limited number of objects simultaneously. In making complex decisions, you’re weighing a number of variables. When you compel yourself to sit down and write what you really think, you’ll often realize something deeper, often leading to clarity.
• You become more confident in your decisions. Research shows that when we write about their decisions before making them, we’re much more confident about the decisions made and also make less biased choices. Further research shows that if we don’t pay enough attention to our options, we have less confidence in the decisions we make.