How to Cut Through Indecision
Remember what you really want by putting fear aside
Hi friends,
In this week’s letter, I have a question for you that helps cut through the noise when making creative decisions - and brings you back to alignment. I’m also sharing with you a powerful AI tip for the research phase of your creative work.
Let’s get to it!
Creative work is born out of a series of choices.
So what do we do when we can’t choose?
There are many reasons why we get paralyzed overthinking our options.
But one of the biggest ones is fear of choosing wrong. Of getting it wrong. Of failing.
To mitigate the risk of failing or falling short, we gather more and more data, look for more advice, overthink, question everything, and still can’t decide.
We say we are being strategic, we are being rational, we are being smart. We simply care about the work so much, that our creative decision requires more thinking. We want to make the best choice or the right choice.
But ultimately, we are just afraid.
Recently, I experienced this feeling again. I was choosing between two formats for an offer I was creating. I kept going back and forth. I finally settled on a choice. Two days later I saw someone else doing it differently, and I doubted myself. Perhaps I chose wrong. Maybe I need to reconsider?
Suddenly, this question popped up from deep within:
“What would you do if you couldn’t fail?”
I let myself feel this question, and the answer seemed obvious.
Like, really obvious.
I knew what I wanted. I knew what my work needed to thrive. But I was censoring, doubting, and dragging my feet between options.
Here’s the thing:
If you choose what appears safer out of fear of getting it wrong, you’ll never know what it’s like to live in alignment — to have the wind in your favor because your whole being is rooting for you.
If you know what you want, but the way doesn’t seem clear, you don’t have the right skills, the right network, etc. well, now you can talk about strategy. You can talk about how you might, step by step, bit by bit, build momentum towards the direction you want to go.
Once you know the direction you’re moving towards, you can mobilize resources, expertise, collaborators.
That’s also when AI tools make amazing partners as well.
You can use your fave chatbot to brainstorm possible plans of execution.
Honestly, it’s never been a better time to follow your dreams.
Information has never been this accessible.
So what you are lacking in these moments of doubt is not a lack of know-how.
It’s also not a prudent caution.
It’s a lack of confidence.
But if you keep second-guessing, playing it safe, and aiming for lukewarm directions, where your curiosity and excitement are not engaged, you’ll keep half-assing your execution. You’ll keep sabotaging your progress, finding subtle ways to avoid your most meaningful work.
I’m not saying that following your aligned direction will be easy, per se.
Sometimes your creative dreams might take a lifetime. With a lot of failed attempts in the process.
But when your mind and heart are aligned, at least you won’t be fighting an internal war as you attempt your goals.
So what will it be? From the countless ideas I know you have, which one would you choose if you knew you couldn’t fail?
AI tip of the week:
As some of you know, alongside my coaching work, I’m a bit of an AI nerd. And lately, I’ve been using a feature that honestly feels like magic — so I wanted to share it here in case it’s useful for you too.
If you’re using the paid version of ChatGPT (Pro), there’s a little button called “Run Deep Research” under the Tools menu (you’ll find it just below the prompt box).
You can use it when you’re trying to:
Find grants, artist residencies, or startup funding
Compare tools or platforms for your creative projects
Look for suppliers or service providers that match your criteria
Explore communities, collaborators, or partners
Run a quick market or competitor check
Once you click it, ChatGPT will ask a few follow-up questions to better understand what you need — and then go search the web for you. It takes a couple of minutes, and it’ll show you the sources it pulls from as it goes.
Is it perfect? No.
But it’s very helpful. I still cross-check with Google or Perplexity.ai sometimes, especially for important stuff — but this tool saves me so much time getting started.
So next time you're stuck trying to find "the right thing" online — a tool, a grant, a place to start — try handing it over to ChatGPT for a bit. It’s like a research buddy who doesn’t get tired.
Let me know if tips like these are helpful and I’ll keep sharing them 💛
What’s Next:
Here’s what I’m cooking up behind the scenes. I would love for you to join if it speaks to you:
1. The Artful Club
I’m starting a new series of monthly sessions to support your creative life. Think of it like a cozy creative circle with thoughtful prompts, gentle accountability, and space to reflect.
The next session is free and open to all:
“Money Stories” – Wed, June 25 at 19:30 CET
We’ll explore your personal money narratives, and how they show up in your creative work and career. Save your spot here.
2. The Artful Career
If you’re dreaming of a more creative, energizing, you-shaped career — something that actually fits your priorities, curiosities, and rhythms — I’m opening doors again for The Artful Career in August.
It’s a 3-month program for multi-passionate creatives ready to design their work life on their own terms. You’ll walk away with clarity on your next aligned steps and a personal compass to continue illuminating your path.
This is the first time I’ll run it as a group program, so there will be special pricing for this first cohort.
If that’s you, hop on the waitlist to get early access + special perks:
That’s it for today.
Thank you for being here.
With love,
Paula