The Jeff Bezos One-Hour Rule: How to Stop Overthinking and Take Action Faster

Decision-making is not my thing. Even though I make several decisions every single day. Something as simple as choosing which coffee shop to meet friends can feel overwhelming. And when the decisions get bigger? That’s when procrastination quietly steps in.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Many busy moms, entrepreneurs, authors, and creatives struggle not because they’re incapable, but because decision fatigue drains their energy. Over time, small unresolved decisions pile up, leading to procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt.

That’s why the One-Hour Rule, popularized by Jeff Bezos, has been getting so much attention. It offers a simple, practical way to stop overthinking and start moving. How does it work?

What Is the Jeff Bezos One-Hour Rule?

The One-Hour Rule is based on a powerful distinction between two types of decisions:

Type 1 decisions are big, high-impact, and difficult to reverse. These include major life choices like starting a company, moving countries, or making significant financial commitments. These deserve time, reflection, and careful thought.

Type 2 decisions are small, low-risk, and reversible. Most everyday choices fall into this category like choosing tools, routines, content ideas, planners, or even when and how to start a project.

The One-Hour Rule applies to Type 2 decisions. If a decision is reversible, you should not spend more than one hour deciding. Choose, act, learn, and adjust if needed. That simple!

Why Overthinking Leads to Procrastination

Procrastination is often misunderstood as laziness. In reality, it’s frequently a decision problem.

When every choice feels heavy, your brain goes into protection mode. It asks questions like:

  • What if I choose wrong?
  • What if I regret it?
  • What if there’s a better option?
  • What if I fail?

These questions keep you stuck. You delay not because you don’t care, but because you care deeply and don’t want to make a mistake. Unfortunately, delaying decisions also delays progress.

Small decisions become emotional bottlenecks, and momentum slows to a halt.

Why the One-Hour Rule Works

The reason this rule resonates with so many people is simple: it removes unnecessary pressure.

The One-Hour Rule works because it:

  • Reduces decision fatigue
  • Prevents endless research
  • Limits overthinking
  • Builds confidence through action
  • Creates forward momentum

Instead of asking, “Is this the perfect decision?” you ask, “Is this reversible?” If the answer is yes, you give yourself permission to move.

Progress beats perfection every time!

How to Get the Right Facts Before Deciding

Making faster decisions doesn’t mean making careless ones. It means gathering the right information, not all the information.

Here’s a simple process you can use:

  1. Define the decision clearly. Say it in one sentence.
  2. Identify the 2–3 facts that truly matter. Ignore the rest.
  3. Use reliable sources. Data, experience, or people who’ve done it before.
  4. Ask if the decision is reversible. If yes, stop over-researching.
  5. Decide and move forward. Adjust later if needed.

At some point, more information stops helping and starts delaying.

Applying the One-Hour Rule to Real Life

Most of the decisions keeping people stuck are reversible:

  • Choosing a productivity tool
  • Starting a podcast or blog
  • Picking a writing routine
  • Launching a small offer
  • Selecting a planner or system

These decisions are not permanent, yet we treat them as if they define our entire future. The One-Hour Rule reminds us that flexibility is built into progress.

You don’t need perfect clarity to begin. You need a starting point. Find that point and start moving.

The Connection to Delay to Daily Action

At the heart of the Delay to Daily Action framework is one simple truth: momentum is created by movement.

Confidence doesn’t come before action,  it comes from action. When you shorten the time between deciding and doing, you reclaim your time, your energy, and your self-trust.

The One-Hour Rule fits perfectly into this philosophy. It trains your brain to move instead of stall, and to learn through doing instead of endlessly waiting.

A Simple Challenge

Think of one decision you’ve been avoiding. Just one.

Ask yourself: Is this reversible?

If the answer is yes, give yourself one hour today to decide. Set a timer. Choose. Take the next step.

You may be surprised how much lighter you feel once the decision is made.

Final Thoughts

You’re not bad at decision-making. You’re just giving small decisions too much power.

The Jeff Bezos One-Hour Rule is not about rushing your life. It’s about respecting your time, protecting your energy, and freeing yourself from unnecessary delay.

When you decide faster, you move sooner. And when you move sooner, progress follows.

If you’re ready to start or restart your creative project, don’t miss this episode.

You will find the best stuff on the blog! Check out the following:

Go to to Blog

Like this post? Share it!

Fresh-squeezed how-to tips on book writing and busy mom life delivered to your inbox weekly.

My mama taught me never to brag. But permit me just this once to brag. Our emails kind of rock. This is where all the magic happens. Sign up for regular pep talks, inspiration, and all kinds of substance-packed goodness. Let's connect before you say goodbye.