10 Second Yes

This week, we have the pleasure of learning from Kristin Koliha, MSW, an ADHD coach and therapist with a master's in social work. Kristen isn’t just academically qualified; she’s a mother, a person with ADHD, and a true practitioner of what she preaches. Having helped hundreds with ADHD find everyday solutions, Kristin shares her wisdom on overcoming the overwhelming barrage of decisions we face.

Introducing the 10-Second Yes

Do you ever find yourself paralyzed by the simple decisions of everyday life, like whether to scroll through social media or go for a walk? The notorious analysis paralysis can leave any of us stuck, especially those with ADHD. That’s why Kristin introduces the "10-Second Yes" hack—an effective tool for aligning small decisions with your core values in just seconds.

Understanding Decision Fatigue

Saying yes to everything spreads us thin, leading to FOMO, exhaustion, and decision fatigue. This fatigue can freeze us into inaction, increasing our struggle with work and personal life. The 10-Second Yes method offers a solution for those feeling overwhelmed, teaching us to make values-aligned decisions that clear mental clutter and focus our energies on what truly matters.

How the 10-Second Yes Works

Pause: First, take a moment to pause. This isn’t about reacting; it’s about acting with intention. Listen to your body’s signals to transition from automatic reactions to mindful choices.

Identify Values: Reflect on what truly matters to you right now. Is it family time, growth, or health? Identifying and acknowledging your values guides better decision-making.

Alignment Check: Ask yourself if the choice you’re about to make aligns with these values. A yes boosts your confidence, while a no helps you let go without guilt.

Using It In Your Daily Life

A speaking engagement conflicted with family commitments, forcing Kristin to practice her own advice. She opted out of the event, aligning more closely with her family values. Similarly, faced with the choice of Netflix or walking her energetic dog, her health values guided her to choose the walk. These examples reflect how aligning choices with personal priorities fosters a more harmonious life.

Small Steps for Clarity

Even when decisions aren’t clear-cut, taking small actions in alignment with your values can reduce stress. Start with doable steps, let go of guilt, and adopt self-compassion as you make decisions that serve you well.

When to Use the 10-Second Yes

Use this hack whenever you feel frozen, reflexively saying yes out of habit or guilt. Building a habit of intentional action every day makes these choices automatic, and you'll soon master making decisions quickly and confidently.

Kristin offers a free tool to assist you in this journey—her 10-Second Yes Decision Cards. Available below, these cards serve as prompts and reminders to align your daily decisions with your values.

We hope this Slacker Hack of the Week inspires you to work smarter, not harder. Join us on this journey by leaving comments, subscribing, and sharing your experiences. Remember, stay empowered and stay slacking! Until next time