No pressure, Joanna, I find recent research keeps me very much updated so I can give you best insights. The quest is rich! So thanks.
Robyn, speaking for myself, I'd say your focused responses are incredibly helpful. From the rich conversation in the comment box I'd say other people think so too.
One of the reasons I find myself asking questions is because your post has explained something which then allows me to 'discover' the next part of the question, or the more specific thing it would be great to know.
I don't want to add blogging pressure to you though, and please don't feel you need to rush to answer. I'm sure we all know you well enough to know that the right answer will come along just when it's ready, at just the right time.
Joanna
Joanna, I LOVE your challenges. Wow, they really get the old noodle purring. Now that you have narrowed down what you want to know, I can share strategies that line up with this request.
I'm already germinating a second blog, to follow this one, with a focus on emotions as they drive overthinking and ways they influence our decisions.
I find that I can go deeper if I focus on one aspect at a time. And, if I'm reading this right, readers find that helpful. 
I'll respond your request after today's post. 
Bob, the percentages are fairly good to go with our initial choices. It can be risky and to be fair and bring balance, I showed the two sides of it.
I like to go to sleep on major decisions and let the whole answer surface in the morning. That has really worked well for me in past. My brain purrs while I'm asleep...
I'm working on my response to your comfort zone challenge!
Thanks so much for these suggestions Robyn, and the other tips that keep on popping up in the amazing comment box you have here!
For example:
"Much time is wasted, too, if you refuse to let go of it once the decision has been made"
I recognise this one too. Maybe this comes back to trusting your instincts, and also accepting there's no "perfect" answer.
I do have one further question to try on you though... I find it much easier to make decisions when there's an external deadline that I have to meet. I find it hard to persuade my brain or my unconscious mind that a "snap" decision would be helpful when it knows fine well this isn't so. These are the times when I find myself circling over the same old same old time and again.
Are there strategies we can use to get round this? To try and trick yourself into 'snap' judgement?
Or do we just allow the processes to keep rolling in the background - without giving it undue focus - trusting that we'll make the decision when the time becomes right to do so?
Thanks again - you have a great resource here
Joanna
So what you're saying is, I was right all along! I knew it! You know, I always felt this was true, but when I started thinking about it... decided it wasn't.
I have to admit, Robyn, this is probably my most persistent problem. Glad to hear I don't have to spend so much time agonizing over decisions after all! (Big sigh of relief!)
Thanks for the great examples of "thin slicing," Scott. I had quoted from Gladwell's Blink a couple of posts ago when I discussed Go with Intuition? http://brainbasedbiz.blogspot.co...-
intuition.html
This is a similar notion to that described in Blink by Gladwell.
The particular thing that you reminded me of here is what he calls "thin slicing". This being most powerful where the individual is making an "instant" judgement on the emotions of another person. It's a bit like that moment at the dinner party when you just know it's time to leave!
Ellen, to consider the opposite and picturing it really helps you see your choice in a different way. This can be done quickly when a snap judgment needs to be made.
Hey Robyn, these are COOL ideas and any or all of them add wings to a person's brain. Thanks!
What about the idea of seriously considering the "exact opposite of your original idea" to to see if that look at its opposite pole - would add any valuable hidden angles before deep diving or acting on a new idea?
Just a 2-bit thought for a great post and discussion! Your turn...
Jackie, thanks for your testimony since it adds to the picture. Much time is wasted, too, if you refuse to let go of it once the decision has been made.
I love this theme Robyn. As a reformed overthinker I know how helpful your suggestions are. Thinking back the times when I thought myself out of doing something or into doing it differently ( and not necessarily better!) I am glad I can comfortably go with my gut feelings. Wonderful insightful stuff!
Jackie
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