Does being asked what you want for dinner put you into a tailspin? Do you become paralyzed when trying to decide what vehicle to buy? 🚙 🚐 🚗
Indecision isn’t always bad. Hesitation gives you valuable time to think about the situation, a chance to gather more information, or weigh the facts.
However, hesitation over making small or inconsequential decisions can lead to chaos.
Indecision can become a decision by default. When you decide not to decide, you give up your power of choice. 👎
🎯 What causes indecisiveness? Let’s unpack it.
...Fear of failure - When individuals are gripped by this fear, every choice feels like a potential landmine, with the specter of failure lurking around every corner. This fear can paralyze them, trapping them in a state of indecision as they desperately try to avoid making the wrong move.
...Perfectionism - For perfectionists, the fear of making a mistake or falling short of our impossibly high standards can lead to analysis paralysis. Every decision becomes a high-stakes game, where the slightest misstep feels like a disaster waiting to happen. This relentless pursuit of flawlessness can trap us in a cycle of overthinking, as we agonize over every possible outcome, searching for the elusive "perfect" choice.
...People pleasing - If you’re a people pleaser, you may find yourself continuously struggling internally between choice A (what you want) and choice B (what others want).
...Losing sight of the bigger picture - When we lose sight of goals, we can start to lose sight of how we’ll get to the goals as well, leaving us feeling lost when it comes time to decide which direction to take.
...Lack of confidence - If we are insecure, we may not feel capable of choosing the decision that’s right for us. Self-doubt and a lack of confidence can lead to procrastination.
👉 The good news is that lacking confidence in your ability to decide is only a mindset. Take a step back and tell yourself that decision-making is a skill that can be honed through practice.
Here’s how.💪
Step 1: Forget the fear - Figure out what you’re afraid of and write it down. Ask yourself what you’ll do if your fear comes to pass. Is it truly possible? If so, how will you cope?
Step 2: Tune in to your emotions - There comes a time when no matter how much information you have, or how much logic you’ve applied, the decision isn’t going to get any easier. Set a time limit on your research, list-making, and pondering. Then ask yourself: “Which would do the most good: A or B?” Quickly rate each option from one to ten. Go with your gut. The option with the higher number is the option you should choose.
Step 3: Practice on small stuff - Start making little decisions every day. Shoot for at least 10 decisions. Decide what you’re going to have for lunch and what route you’re going to take to work. Go to your favorite store and choose one small purchase. As little things come up throughout the day, practice making faster decisions.
Step 4: Ask, ‘Will this matter 10 years from now?’ - Sometimes, decisions seem much bigger than they are. Maybe you’re struggling with a new car purchase. Will it matter 10 years from now which car you choose? Be realistic about the risks involved.
Step 5: Learn to trust yourself - List your strengths. Are you smart? Funny? Creative? Ask yourself if you can incorporate your strengths into your decision-making process. For example, if you’re creative, consider making a collage to represent each choice in front of you.
POWERFUL PERSPECTIVE - Fear of failure and comparison [ a.k.a., judgment] are “below-the-line” beliefs that prevent us from embracing a growth mindset. “Above-the-line” beliefs are powerful perspectives that require self-awareness and the courage to challenge our fears so we can thrive.
I’ve curated the best from my coaching practice, thought leadership and unique development programs to create something that takes the guesswork out of how to manage the chaos creators and the emotional chaos they incite - with kindness, confidence, and compassion.
👉 Download the free toolkit here >> Empowered Communicator's Toolkit to Conquer Chaos Creators