Indecisiveness is a productivity and creativity killer. It often leads to a syndrome known as analysis paralysis. Fear of choosing the wrong thing, making the wrong decision is at the root of the problem for many people. And then there's overthinking. It too can cause paralysis.
There are some simple steps that can be taken to alleviate the stress of having to make decisions. The more important the decision, the more important it is to consider getting some input from highly trusted mentors/friends. Consider the following:
1. Stay Calm and Keep Emotions in Check
In some cases the need to make a decision might arouse fear. What if I make the wrong decision? What if something better comes along after I've made the decision? The "what if" game has to be fought off as it is a natural tendency to extrapolate into a worse case scenario.
Sometimes, it is raw excitement that takes over and clouds judgement. When something is wanted so badly it is possible to avoid thinking about any cons of a decision. The pros are easy to find and multiply quickly leading to mentally overriding the cons almost immediately.
2. Ensure You Have All Necessary Information
Use the 4 questions of Cartesian Logic. They are: What would happen if you did? What would happen if you did not? What wouldn't happen if you did? What wouldn't happen if you did not? In the process of answering these questions you would quickly determine if you had sufficient information. Then with that information to work from you would begin the search to find out what you do not know. Discussions with others might prompt questions which you cannot answer and will need to seek out.
3. Seek the Counsel of a Mentor or Coach
Because they will have walked the path you wish to walk, they will have a very unique perspective. Their feedback and advice will be invaluable. The are likely to be the first to see any potholes and provide a solution for you to avoid them. What they tell you may very well be sufficient for you to make a decision without taking any other steps.
4. Consider The Impact On Others
However, on the other hand there are are decisions that would require much discussion primarily with family and some who are close enough to be considered like family. In the latter cases, it is important to present all the information you have as to what impact you decision would have on them. Getting their feedback may be the most important part of your decision making depending on the degree of impact.
This is not to be taken lightly. In order to avoid regrets down the line for any undesirable or devastating outcomes all stakeholders need to be included. It is possible that many one on one discussions will reveal more feedback and at other times, a group discussion is best. Oddly enough, that in itself might be the first decision to be made.
5. Be Committed to the Decision
Decisions need to be made and once given the commitment must be made. If you cannot do that, then you are not ready to make the decision. Keep in mind though, the old adage that says, making a wrong decision is worse than making no decision. This is true. The next best statement is, once a decision is made, be totally committed to it. Give it all you've got until you find yourself faced with a new decision.
That's it. Follow these 5 steps and take the indecisiveness out of your mental habits. Find what works for you, then rinse and repeat. The habit of indecisiveness will soon be a thing of that past.
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