The Power of Clarifying Questions To Improve Decision-Making

Ever feel like your to-do list is more of a “never-done” list? You’re juggling priorities, second-guessing decisions, and have no idea where to start. For ADHD brains, this feeling of overwhelm is all too familiar. It’s hard to know where to focus your attention when everything seems equally urgent. But what if there was a way to simplify those decisions, quiet the chaos, and focus on what truly matters? That’s what we’re diving into today: the power of a clarifying question. 

Using a clarifying question is a simple tool that helps you:

• Reduce overwhelm
• Cut through distractions
• Make confident decisions that align with your goals

Whether you’re navigating work projects, balancing relationships, or prioritizing self-care, a clarifying question can act as your guide.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to create a clarifying question tailored to your life that you can use in real-time. Consider it a decision-making shortcut for busy, brilliant brains like ours. 

Ready to make life a little simpler? Let’s dive in. 

Listen to the episode above or stream it on your favorite podcasting app. Prefer to read? No problem! Keep scrolling for a summary of the key takeaways.

In Episode 292 You Will Discover:

1. How using a clarifying question can reduce overwhelm and simplify decision-making.
2. Why this strategy works so well for ADHD brains.
3. Practical steps to create and implement your own clarifying question today.

Episode 292: The Power of Clarifying Questions To Improve Decision-Making (Transcript)

Today, we’re talking about the power of a clarifying question.

Let’s be honest—sometimes, it seems like there’s just too much to juggle in a day. Too many decisions to make, and too many priorities pulling at our attention. And we find ourselves staring at that never-ending list, wondering how on earth we’ll get it all done.

For many of us with ADHD, this overwhelm isn’t just a rare occurrence, it’s something we wrestle with all the time – especially when we don’t have the tools and scaffolding in place to coach our brain and clarify what matters most.

I’m excited to share a strategy that allows us to approach our day by cutting through all that noise. A way to simplify our decisions, stay focused on what really matters, and feel good about how we’re spending our time and attention each day.

Today’s concept all comes down to one simple idea…

Identifying (and implementing!) your clarifying question.

This topic was inspired by a story that you may have heard before (see below). But even if you have heard it before, I encourage you to lean in and wrestle with the idea. And I say this because I think the message of this story—and the way it speaks to the ADHD brain specifically—deserves a spotlight here.

The Original Story

Let’s start with the story I mentioned, which is the catalyst for this entire episode. 

In the late 1990s, the British men’s rowing team was really struggling—and not for a lack of trying. They put in years and years of hard work and dedication, but they just seemed stuck. They kept underperforming and not getting where they wanted to go.

They clearly had talent, but they just couldn’t seem to pull all the moving pieces together to win.

So, as they looked ahead to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the team decided something had to change. That’s when they came up with this radical new strategy—which was built around a single, simple question: ‘Does this make the boat go faster?’

This question became their guide for everything.

Whether it was creating their training plans, deciding what they ate for dinner, how they spent their downtime, or how they approached recovery—it all came down to this filter. If the answer was yes—it did make the boat go faster— they did it. If the answer was no, they didn’t waste their time or energy.

I don’t know about you, but I find there is something so grounding about the simplicity of this one question, which makes decision-making so much easier for my busy brain.

Now, you’re probably not surprised to learn that this approach worked – otherwise, the story wouldn’t be told repeatedly. So—no spoiler alert is needed— the approach worked. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the British men’s rowing team broke their 88-year losing streak and won gold at the Olympics. 

Again, this story has been shared in many different situations, and for good reason. It’s such a simple yet powerful framework for cutting through distractions, clarifying decisions, and staying focused on what really matters.

The best part is that this approach isn’t just for Olympic athletes. It’s a strategy that works beautifully in everyday life. And I find this is especially impactful for ADHD brains like ours, who face a lot of distractions, overwhelm, and the constant pull to focus on everything at once.

So, let’s explore how this idea of a clarifying question can help us create that same kind of focus and intentionality in our lives.

What is a Clarifying Question?

So, what exactly is a clarifying question? At its core, it’s a decision-making filter. It’s one simple question that aligns every choice you make with your overarching goal.

When you use this filter, you help reduce distractions, simplify decisions, and stay focused on what matters most.

As someone with endless ideas and the desire to do everything RIGHT NOW, I’ve found that having a guiding question like this is incredibly grounding.

It’s like having a lighthouse that keeps me on course by reducing overwhelm, streamlining decisions, and providing structure. 

The Benefits of Using a Clarifying Question (for ADHDers)

1. Reduces Overwhelm

As we know, ADHD brains tend to freeze up—or on the flipside, try to do everything all at once—when there are too many options. Too many tasks, too many priorities, too many everything can make it seem impossible to figure out where to start.

This is where a clarifying question is so powerful. It cuts through the noise and helps us zero in on the one thing that truly matters.

For example, let’s say I have a goal to end my workday by 5:00 pm. If I notice at 3:00 that I’m writing and re-writing an email, convinced it doesn’t sound quite right, I can pause and ask, ‘Does this help me finish by 5?’

Suddenly, everything becomes clearer. That email I’ve been combing through might not need to be perfect—it just needs to be done.

Instead of spending another 15 minutes tweaking a single sentence, I realize that sending it as-is frees up time for tasks that genuinely need my attention before 5. I might even realize that this email isn’t urgent at all and can wait until tomorrow, freeing up brain space to tackle something more pressing.

2. Helps Us See The Bigger Picture (& Align To It)

The beauty of this question is that it shifts our perspective from “Everything is important, and I have to do it now!” to “What’s actually aligned with my goal?”

It gently pulls us out of hyperfocus or perfectionism and reminds us of the bigger picture: in this last example, wrapping up my day on time and honoring that boundary.

We have a clear filter that tells us, “This is what matters right now, and this is what doesn’t.” And that clarifying shift is like giving our brain permission to let go of the noise and focus on what really moves the needle.

3. Cuts Through Decision Fatigue

As we know, decision-making can also be exhausting for our ADHD brains. Every choice—big or small—requires mental energy, and when we’re constantly weighing options or analyzing every scenario, it’s easy to feel drained before we’ve even started.

A clarifying question eliminates the need to overthink every choice. Instead of spiraling into analysis paralysis or second-guessing ourselves, the question becomes our go-to framework for making decisions quickly and confidently.

For example, let’s say someone emails you a last-minute request to take on an extra task. Normally, you might spend several minutes debating whether to say yes, feeling guilty about saying no, and imagining all the “what-ifs” if you decline. But with a clarifying question like, “Does this have me leaving the office by 5?” you have a simple way to evaluate the request.

This question cuts through that exhausting back-and-forth and gives you a sense of clarity. It helps you make decisions that serve your bigger picture.

And perhaps most importantly, by simplifying the decision-making process, you conserve your mental energy for the tasks that truly matter, rather than burning that fuel unnecessarily.

4. Provides Structure

Finally, I love the single clarifying question because it provides a simple structure that’s easier to maintain.

You see, many ADHD brains thrive with the right level of structure, but creating and maintaining that structure can feel like an uphill battle.

Without clear boundaries or a framework, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of the day, jumping from task to task without ever feeling grounded. Having that clarifying structure prevents that checkpoint.

A clarifying question acts like a portable structure you can carry with you anywhere. It gives you a reliable framework for navigating decisions, even when your day feels unpredictable.

For example, let’s say it’s 2 p.m., and you’re trying to figure out what to tackle next. You’ve got a half-finished presentation for a potential new client, a pile of unread emails, and a new idea you’re tempted to dive into. Normally, you might bounce between all three, feeling scattered and unsure where to start.

When you pause and ask, “Does this help me close the deal?” the answer becomes clear. You decide to focus on finishing the presentation because it’s aligned with your overarching goal of closing the new deal with the client, and the emails and new idea can wait until tomorrow.

The clarifying question provides the structure your brain needs to stay on track. It keeps you from falling into the trap of trying to do everything at once and helps you make intentional choices instead.

Plus, I think having this simple framework helps reinforce trust in yourself. When you regularly use your question to guide your decisions, you start feeling more confident in your ability to prioritize and follow through—even on the busiest or most chaotic days.

So again, I love the role of a clarifying question for so many reasons – top among them are a reduction in overwhelm, simplifying decisions, and a simple structure.

Clarifying Question Examples for Everyday Life

So what does this actually look like? It’s great for a rowing team, but how can we use the approach in real life?

Let’s look at some different examples to highlight how one simple question can make decision-making easier, keep us focused, and help us align with our goals.

Work Boundaries

• Goal: Get a raise or be made partner.
• Question: “Does this help me advance to partner?” Or “Does this increase my chance for a raise?”

This streamlined question makes it easy to quickly evaluate decisions and focus on your career growth.

For example, let’s say…

• You’re offered a new project that will take up a significant chunk of your time. Instead of immediately taking it on and diving in, you ask, “Does this help me advance to partner?” If the project highlights your leadership skills or aligns with high-visibility goals, it’s a yes. If not, you can decline or delegate.
• You’re deciding whether to schedule a conversation with your boss about taking on some new responsibilities. Asking the question, “Does this increase my chance for a raise?” clarifies whether this step supports your long-term career goals and whether the timing feels right.
• A colleague asks you to take on some extra work that’s not directly related to your current cases. You pause and ask the question, “Does this help me advance to partner?” and realize that—while you do enjoy the work, it’s not the best use of your time right now since you’re already stretched thin— so you redirect your focus to your current commitment.

This question helps cut through the noise and keeps you focused on making intentional decisions that align with your goal of advancement.

Health and Wellness

• Goal: Increase your energy and capacity throughout the day.
• Question: “Does this increase my capacity?”

This question helps you make intentional choices that support both your physical and mental energy, guiding you toward habits that enhance your overall well-being.

For example:

• You’re deciding whether to skip lunch because you’re too busy. When you pause and ask, “Does this increase my capacity?” the answer is clear: no. You realize that taking a quick break to eat something nourishing will help you focus and stay productive through the afternoon.
• It’s the end of the day, you know it’s time for bed, and you’re tempted to watch just one more episode of the British Baking Show. Asking the question, “Does this increase my capacity?” reminds you that getting a good night’s sleep will better support your energy and capacity tomorrow, making it easier to shut off the TV.
• You’re feeling drained and unfocused, and you’re debating whether to take a walk or push through another task. The question, “Does this increase my capacity?” shifts your perspective, reminding you that movement is a helpful way to clear your mind, recharge your energy, and improve your focus.

This question helps you stay connected to what your body and mind need to perform at their best, making it easier to prioritize rest, nourishment, and movement without overthinking.

Relationships

• Goal: Strengthen a feeling of connection with those primary people in your life
• Question: “Does this create connection?”

In our busy lives, it’s easy to let relationships take a backseat to work, errands, and endless to-dos. But this clarifying question can help us stay intentional about prioritizing connection and creating space for meaningful moments.

For example:

• You’re deciding how to spend your evening—finishing up a few more emails in the office or joining your family for dinner. Asking the question, “Does this create connection?” allows for the pause to help you decide which option is more aligned with your current priority of connection. 
• You’re sitting in your car in your driveaway, and you open your phone to do a meditation to recharge before heading in to see everyone. Suddenly, you’re doom-scrolling instead. Asking yourself, “Does this create connection?” acts as a gentle nudge here – even though nobody else is around – to take that quiet moment to recharge with the meditation, knowing that prioritizing downtime now will give you the energy and capacity to connect with your family or friends later.
• Someone asks for help, and you feel torn between saying yes as you genuinely want to help and protecting your time because you’re feeling run down. The question “Does this create connection?” helps you evaluate the request through the lens of connection. 

By using this filter, you can focus on both the big and small choices that deepen your relationships. It’s not just about being present with loved ones; it’s also about taking care of yourself so you can show up fully for the people who matter most.

Next Step: Create A Clarifying Question for your Life

So, how can you take this idea of a clarifying question and make it your own?

It’s a two-part process:

1. Think about one area where you’d most want to move the needle in your life. What is front and center for you?
2. Decide what needs to happen to achieve your goal. What do you want to focus on?

For example, if I wanted a better balance between my work and personal life, one thing might be ending my day at a certain time.

If I wanted to improve my retirement savings, the one thing might be saving a certain amount of money each month.

The British rowing team wanted to win at the Olympics, and the one thing was making the boat go faster.

Once you have those two data points (1) Where in your life you want to move the needle and (2) what needs to happen now to do so, then you can create a simple question that aligns your choices with that priority. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler, the better.

For example:

• If you want to feel more grounded in your day, your question might be, “Does this help me feel grounded?”
• If you’re launching a new product on a certain date in your business, your question could be, “Does this make the June launch inevitable?”
• If you’re decluttering and organizing the main floor of your house, it might be a question like, “Does this reduce the amount of stuff?”

So again, clarify where you want to move the needle and what would make the difference. Then, design your clarifying question around that thing so the next time the world throws everything at you, you can easily prioritize what matters most. 

Once you’ve crafted your question, try it out for a week. Use it as your guide whenever you’re faced with a decision. Pause, ask your question, and see what comes up. 

And let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear about the question you create and how it works for you! I’m over on Instagram @imbusybeingawesome. Send me a DM or leave a comment on a post for this episode. I can’t wait to hear about it!

Final Thoughts

All right, my friends, that’s going to do it for us this week.

👉 Want to take these concepts further and apply them to your life? Learn more about how we can work together with my small group coaching program, “We’re Busy Being Awesome,” and one-on-one coaching.

✨ Learn my simple step-by-step approach to locking in a routine and making it stick, be sure to check out my free course, the ADHD Routine Revamp.

I’ll talk with you soon.

Links From The Podcast

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