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More options, more confusion: Ankur Warikoo explains a 3-step method on how to make correct decisions in life
ET Online | April 29, 2026 11:57 PM CST

Synopsis

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo explains how having too many options can lead to confusion and delay decisions. Sharing an example of a mentee who struggled to choose a path despite trying multiple things, he highlights how excessive choice can create uncertainty instead of freedom. Warikoo suggests a simple three-step approach: set a deadline to avoid overthinking, commit to one option for 90 days to gain clarity, and understand whether you are changing direction to learn or just to escape discomfort.

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Ankur Warikoo offers 3-step guide to make better decisions
In a time where people have endless choices in careers, learning, and even daily life, decision-making has somehow become harder instead of easier. Entrepreneur and content creator Ankur Warikoo recently spoke about this growing confusion, pointing out how having too many options can leave people stuck rather than free.

He shared an example from his own circle to explain this. “I have a mentee who has been figuring out what he wants to do for 4 years,” he wrote. The person had tried multiple paths, including freelancing, building an Instagram page, taking courses, and applying for jobs that didn’t really interest him.

Warikoo made it clear that the issue wasn’t a lack of ability. “He isn't lazy. He's one of the smartest people I know,” he added. But despite that, the mentee couldn’t settle on one direction, something many people today might relate to.



Too many choices, not enough clarity

According to Warikoo, the real problem is something most people don’t realise early on. “He's caught in the paradox that nobody warns you about,” he said, explaining that “more options = more choices and more possibilities.”

At first, this sounds like a good thing. But in reality, it often leads to overthinking and hesitation. When every path seems possible, committing to just one becomes difficult.

He raised a simple but important question: “Because with all of the paths available to us, people are more confused than ever. If freedom leaves you directionless, is it really freedom?”

Step 1: Set a decision deadline

Warikoo suggests starting with a clear timeline. “Your contemplation will expand to fit the time you give it,” he explained.

In simple terms, the more time you allow yourself to think, the more you will keep delaying the decision. His advice is to fix a deadline and stick to it.

“When the deadline arrives, pick the best option,” he said. The focus should not be on finding the perfect answer right away. Instead, take action, gather feedback, and adjust if needed. “But don't chase the perfect decision from the beginning.”

Step 2: Go all in for 90 days

The second step is about commitment. Warikoo recommends choosing one path and sticking with it fully for a fixed period.

“Choose one thing to go all in for 90 days,” he advised. This time frame is long enough to understand whether the choice feels right or not.

Rather than constantly switching between options, this approach helps build clarity through real experience. It also prevents people from quitting too early without giving something a fair chance.


Step 3: Know if you are pivoting or escaping

The final step is about self-awareness. Warikoo pointed out that not all changes are the same.

“Notice the difference between pivoting and escaping,” he wrote. He explained it simply: “One happens because you've learned enough to move to a different path. The other happens because something got uncomfortable.”

Understanding this difference matters. Leaving something because it’s not working after learning is a smart move. But leaving just because it feels difficult can keep a person stuck in a loop.

Warikoo ended his thoughts with a reminder that clarity doesn’t come instantly. “You won't have all the answers, but you will be asking better questions,” he said.

And according to him, those better questions are what slowly guide people towards the right path.


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