‘I Get Worried When I Don’t Have the Instinct…’: Katrina Kaif on Stopping Overthinking Small Decisions

Decision-making is intuitive for some and mentally exhausting for others. Actor Katrina Kaif recently opened up about how she navigates everyday choices, describing herself as someone who usually relies on instinct.

In a conversation with Yuvaa alongside Vijay Sethupathi and director Sriram Raghavan, she shared that clarity often comes naturally to her.

“I’m normally a pretty fast decision maker. I get worried when I don’t have the instinct about a decision. That’s when I can get stuck,” she said, explaining that while major choices feel clear, smaller decisions can sometimes leave her overthinking.

The Simple Trick She Uses

When indecision creeps in, Katrina turns to a practical tool: writing down a list of pros and cons. According to her, putting thoughts on paper helps bring clarity.

However, she also shared another approach that has helped her break the cycle of rumination — reframing the situation. She tells herself, “Maybe you don’t know because it doesn’t matter what you do in this particular scenario.”

This subtle shift in perspective allows her to detach from unnecessary pressure and move forward.

Why Instinct Works — And Why It Sometimes Fails

Existential analyst Gurleen Baruah explains that instinct is often shaped by experience, self-awareness, and personal values.

“When a decision aligns with who we are and what matters to us, our brain quickly recognises the pattern and sends a ‘go’ signal,” she explains.

On the other hand, indecision tends to surface when:

• The stakes feel unclear
• Information is insufficient
• Both options sit in a grey zone
• The choice lacks emotional significance

In such cases, the brain does not prioritise the decision, leading to mental gridlock.

Is the Pros-and-Cons Method Effective?

According to Baruah, listing pros and cons is a logical and helpful exercise because it converts vague concerns into structured reasoning. However, it is not without limitations.

Once we lean toward a particular outcome, we may unconsciously adjust the list to justify that preference. This phenomenon, known as confirmation bias, can skew objectivity.

To use the method effectively, Baruah suggests:

• Write the list honestly
• Step away for some time
• Revisit it later with fresh perspective

“The tool works best when it’s used to clarify thoughts, not to convince yourself,” she notes.

Can Reframing Reduce Anxiety?

Reframing a decision as “it doesn’t matter” can be powerful — but context matters.

For low-stakes choices like selecting a meal or choosing a route to work, reminding yourself that either option is acceptable can reduce unnecessary anxiety and free mental energy.

However, when it comes to significant life decisions — career changes, relationships, or financial commitments — downplaying importance may lead to emotional conflict later.

Baruah advises self-reflection:
Are you genuinely easing pressure over a minor choice, or are you avoiding discomfort around something meaningful?

The Takeaway

Katrina Kaif’s approach highlights a balanced decision-making framework: trust instinct when it’s present, use structured tools when clarity fades, and reframe low-stakes situations to avoid unnecessary stress.

Ultimately, decision-making improves with self-awareness — understanding when to rely on intuition and when to pause for deeper evaluation.