We all get those moments — staring at a problem, a project, a looming life choice — and feeling absolutely stumped.

Our brains spin with a whirlwind of options, but nothing seems quite right.

That's the perfect time to try a little mental housekeeping!

Before getting caught up in finding the perfect solution, let's streamline things.

We often waste time and mental energy revisiting possibilities we know (or ought to know) aren't the answer.

Here’s what tends to happen:

You're sitting down to figure out how to boost your monthly savings. Suddenly, you remember that disastrous day-trading strategy you tried a few months ago. Yeah…didn't pan out.

Or you're brainstorming ideas for a fun, low-cost weekend activity, and the urge to sign up for one of those “free resort vacations” where all you have to do is sit through a timeshare presentation for 8 hours hits you again. You completely regretted the last time you did this. “But maybe this time will be better?” you tell yourself.

Let’s try a different strategy. Try "The Elimination Game."

Here's how to play:

List Everything: Don't filter yourself. Every potential solution to your problem or issue goes on paper. Write down everything you can think of to help you reach your goal. Even the day-trading and timeshare possibilities get written down.

The "Nope" Pass: Time to get ruthless. Cross out everything that's proven to be a dead end in the past. If it is actually going to drain your resources (time, money, energy), ditch it from the list. And now the day-trading and timeshare ideas get nixed.

Out of Bounds: Illegal? Unethical? Silly? Those get deleted right away. Don't even give them the satisfaction of consideration. (Sorry fans of “Breaking Bad,” but becoming a ruthless kingpin in the local methamphetamine drug trade in order to provide for your family financially due to your cancer diagnoses is only suitable for a TV crime drama. This is not a great idea for you!)

Why does this game work?

We trick ourselves into thinking we're making progress when we keep recycling old, ineffective ideas.

By eliminating those first, we make space in our minds for the possibilities that do have potential.

It's not about being negative. It's about being strategic!

Sometimes removing the clutter is the first step towards finding that golden nugget of a solution.

So, what's one thing you can eliminate from your decision-making menu today?

Give “The Elimination Game” a try.

And have fun playing! 🙂