'Day in the life' simulation
The simplest mental tool for life’s biggest decisions
When stuck between two choices with high stakes, how do you decide?
I’m talking about the big ones: Should I switch jobs? Move cities—or countries? Stay or leave this relationship? Join this school or that?
Naturally, you do your research. You ask for advice.
And then, like most people, you make a pros and cons list.
But for life-shaping decisions, that list often falls short.
It’s too abstract. It doesn’t capture what daily life will actually feel like.
What does it actually feel like to live each choice?
That’s where this mental tool comes in:
Day in the Life Simulation
It helps you break out of the overthinking spiral and reconnect with the lived, emotional reality of each option—not just the idea of it.
How to use it:
Pick a decision you're weighing. (Job offer, city move, relationship choice, etc.)
Visualize a weekday: Starting right from waking up…what time will you wake up? What time will you leave for work (or school)? How will you commute? How much time will it take? Who will you be interacting with? What are your energy levels like at different points?
Visualize a weekend: How do you unwind? Who do you spend time with? What brings you joy or feels challenging?
Don’t just focus on big milestones—zoom into the everyday moments.
Compare the simulations: Which option feels more aligned with the life you want to live? Which day feels more energizing, grounding, or satisfying—even in small ways?
This tool is not about predicting the future perfectly—it's about checking your inner alignment with the lived experience of each path.
For example, let’s say you need a decision about accepting a new role at a startup or staying in your current job.
Option A: Current job
Weekday: You wake up and know your routine well. The office is close by. Meetings are predictable. You know who to ask for help. There’s stability—but maybe less challenge.
Weekend: You meet familiar friends. You enjoy your local café. But you sometimes feel restless or uninspired.
Option B: Startup role
Weekday: You’re learning something new every day, with fast-changing priorities. The team is energetic, but hours are unpredictable. You feel stimulated, but slightly anxious.
Weekend: You’re exploring a new neighborhood. You feel a mix of excitement and fatigue. You miss your usual routine but feel like you're growing.
For some, stability and staying close to familiar surroundings might feel more grounding. For others, exploring new experiences might feel more energizing. This tool brings the nitty-gritty of each day into focus, helping you make your decision with more clarity.
Rather than deciding based on “the company,” “the country,” or “the school,” you begin to notice what really matters: your daily rhythm—and that resonates more deeply.
At the end of the day, it’s actually about the day.
Until next week 🙌