How to Stop Overthinking Big Decisions About Moving Abroad

Written By Hannah Balint

Have you ever stood in a supermarket, frozen by a small decision?
I did last week. And it reminded me how often our minds use the same patterns for the big choices too.

The Olive Oil Moment

Last week I stood in the supermarket staring at two brands of olive oil.

Both seemed fine. Both cost about the same.

And yet, I caught myself stuck. Debating. Comparing. Overthinking.

It made me laugh out loud. Because here I was, a grown adult, paralysed in the condiments aisle.

When Small Decisions Mirror Big Ones

That moment made me realise something.
It’s the same mental loop that plays out when we face much bigger choices.

When we’re deciding whether to move countries, change jobs, or start over, our brain runs through every possible future.

What if I regret it.
What if it’s worse than now.
What if I can’t undo it.

Why We Overthink

Psychologists call this analysis paralysis.

It’s the mind rehearsing every “what if” to avoid risk or regret.
But clarity rarely comes from more thinking.

It comes from taking a step, seeing what happens, and realising we can handle it.

The 10–10–10 Rule

One tool I often share with clients is the 10–10–10 rule.

Ask yourself:

  • How will this choice matter in 10 minutes?

  • How will it matter in 10 months?

  • How will it matter in 10 years?

It pulls you out of the fear loop.
Often, a decision that felt heavy a moment ago becomes lighter and more clear.

A Simple Next Step

If you’re sitting with a relocation decision right now, my 8-week coaching programme, The Right Move, is designed to help you cut through the fog of indecision.

Together we untangle fear from intuition so you can feel calm, clear, and confident about your next move.

You can start anytime. Just get in touch and I’ll share the details.

Final Thought

Even the smallest choices can show us how our mind handles uncertainty.
The good news is, clarity grows with action.

And in case you’re wondering… yes, I managed to pick an olive oil.
And no, it didn’t ruin my life.

About the author:
Hannah Balint is a life coach who helps people move from indecision to confidence when relocating abroad. She runs two core coaching programmes, The Right Move and Finding Your Feet, supporting both pre-move and post-move transitions.

Hannah Balint