Decision Journaling for Founders: The Tool That Keeps You Sane in Uncertain Times

The first company I built - also during the middle of a recession. One practice helped me stay grounded:

Decision journaling.

Every time I had to make a call I wasn't 100%, I would write down:

1. What I decided
2. Why I chose it (context - the fresher the better)
3. What I thought would happen

Then, I'd close the journal and wait.

Not obsessing, no mental gymnastics. Just observe the outcome and then review my notes.

Over time, it gave me:

1. A sharper pattern radar
2. More trust in my instincts
3. Self-awareness of blind spots
4. Way less mental drain

Try It: The Decision Journal Template

You can use this format in a notebook, Notion doc, or spreadsheet—whatever helps you track and reflect with minimal friction.

1. Create columns with these headers / topics:

   1. Date

   2. Decision

   3. Context (why now?)

   4. Expected Outcome (bonus points if you score your confidence from 1-10)

   5. Actual Outcome

   6. Reflection / Pattern Noted (after reflection)

2. Complete a row for each decision

3. Shut the journal; do not revisit until you’ve seen the results of that decision. Complete the actual outcome and any patterns/blindspots you’ve noted.

4. At a minimum, review monthly or quarterly for patterns.

A lot is dynamic - and much will keep changing - for founders, operators and everyone in the arena.

Hang in there.

You don't have to be ace at predicting everything - you just have to be willing to be awake to your own patterns, trust what you're learning, and keep going.