If You Struggle to Make Decisions - This Should Provide Some Relief

It’s safe to say that every single day we are faced with choices.

Sometimes the choice you make isn’t that important. The important thing is that you just decide.

Will I have pasta or curry tonight? Nothing life-changing there. Yet, even such banal choices can stump us. 

Sometimes the choice is more important; there is more at stake, and that makes your decision more difficult. Understandably so.

Should I stay in my current job and or accept this new offer?

Should I go back to my ex, accept this date invitation, or stay single?

Should we buy a house or keep renting?

Analysis Paralysis

We fill our heads with all sorts of ‘What if?’ scenarios.

We fear making the wrong choice.

We fear regretting our decision in the future.

We fear the unknown.

Fear keeps us in analysis paralysis. Here are six truths that help break the cycle.

The Truth About Decision-Making

Even if it is important, sometimes it still doesn't matter which choice you make, as long as you make one. From there you can take action. Indecision just keeps us stuck.

You can change your mind. Yes, it may cause embarrassment, annoyance, inconvenience, and cost you or others time, energy or money. Nevertheless, you still have a personal right to change your mind. It’s as simple as that. Of course, some decisions are irreversible. For the rest, there is the option to change your mind - and sometimes it's the most liberating thing you will do.

The importance we give to an outcome can lead us to adopt a very narrow focus, and put excessive responsibility on the decision we make. However, things going well doesn’t just depend on the decision itself; it depends on everything we do thereafter - our attitude, our effort, other people, and so many other factors beyond our control, and even beyond our awareness. Take a step back, and look at the bigger picture every so often along the way. 

Sometimes what seems like a wrong decision can actually turn out to be a good one, and vice versa.

We can’t control everything or every outcome.

Having options is a privilege. Value it - instead of making a drama out of it; make the most of it. 

Life Is A Series of Decisions

So the next time you’re battling with yourself about a decision, remember these to help eliminate those ‘What if?’ lists. Life is an endless series of decisions anyway. Many of them we make unwittingly. Make your choice, move forward, see what you find, learn from it, and then make another decision after that. 

Let go of ‘What if?’, and embrace ‘What’s next?’.

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Coaching is a support when making difficult decisions. If you are curious about what coaching can look like for you, let’s chat. Book a free discovery call to discuss your needs and opportunities to work together.

Siobhán Gallagher is a coach, educator and writer focused on the intersection between communication, career and wellbeing. Join her mailing list or book a discovery call to learn more about her services. Connect at siobhangallagher.co, LinkedIn and Instagram.