Writing is a creative and expressive activity. Yet it follows a very logical path. In fact, writing is a series of making decisions – some big, some tiny — but all are impactful to the final creation.

The blank page battlefield

Every time I sit in front of a blank page (or a screen), I'm immediately hit with a flood of questions even before I type a single word:

• What topic am I writing here?
• Who am I writing this for?
• What tone should I use?
• How formal or casual should this be?

Making these initial decisions is like laying a building's foundation — if they're wrong, everything on top becomes shaky. When I find writing difficult, it's usually because I haven't answered these basic questions properly.

The cascade of micro-decisions

Once I've figured out the big picture, the decision-making continues. Now I'm dealing with a stream of smaller choices:

• Which specific words will convey my exact meaning?
• How should I structure this sentence for maximum impact?
• Would an analogy help clarify this concept?
• Should I add a visual element here?
• Is this paragraph in the right place?

Every small decision influences not only the look of the writing but also how well it communicates. A single word choice can entirely alter how a reader interprets everything.

When too many options paralyze 🥶

Here's what I've learned about myself as a writer: too many choices slow me down. When I have endless possibilities, I often get caught in a loop of indecision.

That's why I've found that setting limits actually boosts my writing flow. When I set clear boundaries or the scope, the writing is much easier. And having constraints lead to more creativity.

The decision acceleration technique 🏃🏻‍♀️

I've developed a personal strategy that's been helping me write more efficiently: make faster decisions. This doesn't mean making careless choices, but rather:

1. Trusting my initial instincts and move forward
2. Reducing second-guessing during first drafts
3. Saving the perfectionism for the editing phase
4. Setting time limits for decision points

The faster I make these writing decisions, the more momentum I build. And momentum is everything in writing — it carries you forward when motivation falters.

In writing, as in life, clarity often comes from decisive action. Knowing what matters and what doesn't — what to include and what to cut — is the secret to better writing and thinking.

Currently

• Reading: Confessions of an AI Addict, 2026 Edition by Tim Metz (A nice read! It’s great to know how a writer feels about AI and how they work with it. I also shared my thought on AI in the previous piece.)