Indecisiveness: How to Break the Habit and Overcome It

Indecisiveness is a common problem that many of us face.

It can be frustrating to feel like we can’t make a decision or that we’re constantly second-guessing ourselves.

Let’s explore the reasons why we can sometimes be so indecisive and what we can do to overcome it.

The Psychology of Indecisiveness

The first step in understanding indecisiveness is to examine the psychology of decision-making.

Making a decision involves weighing different options and assessing the potential outcomes of each choice.

When we’re faced with a decision, our brain automatically begins to weigh the pros and cons of each option.

This process can become overwhelming and lead to indecisiveness if we have too many options or if the decision is particularly important.

Perfectionism and Fear of Failure

One common reason for indecisiveness is perfectionism. If we tend to be a perfectionist, we may feel like there is only one “right” decision, and we may be afraid of making the wrong choice.

This fear of failure can paralyze us and make it difficult to make any decision at all.

Decision Fatigue

Another reason for indecisiveness is decision fatigue.

Our brains have a limited capacity for making decisions, and if we are faced with too many choices, we can become mentally exhausted. This can lead to indecisiveness and a feeling of overwhelm.

Analysis Paralysis

Analysis paralysis can also contribute to indecisiveness.

This occurs when we become so focused on analyzing every possible outcome that we cannot make a decision.

This type of thinking can be counterproductive, as it can prevent us from taking action and moving forward.

What We Can Do About Indecisiveness

When we struggle with indecisiveness, there are several things we can do to overcome it.

First, we can simplify the decision-making process by breaking it down into smaller steps. It helps to focus on the most important factors and try not to get bogged down in details that may not be relevant.

We can also try setting a deadline to make a decision. This can help to prevent analysis paralysis. Creating some urgency around the need to make a choice can help us overcome indecisiveness.

Finally, we can try to reframe our thinking around decision-making.

Instead of viewing it as a stressful or overwhelming process, we can try to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Every decision we make, even if it is not the “right” one, can teach us something new and help us to grow as a person.

Keeping Decisions in Perspective

Not all decisions are major or life-altering. Also, some decisions can be “un-done” if we want to alter course.

Unfortunately, though, the time we invest in decision-making tends to be proportional to the amount of information we have available to us, as opposed to how important the decision is.

One example I’ve shared before is how easy it is to become overwhelmed in the bread aisle at the grocery store. So many choices! But in the end, the bread we buy is not likely to impact us in any serious way.

And we can try something else next time.

Similarly, other relatively minor decisions – where to go out for dinner, what color lipstick to buy, which paint color to pick – do not have serious consequences.

Except for one thing.

The more energy we put into those decisions, the more indecisive we may become about other, more significant things.

Because we tend to become more indecisive the more decisions we have to make, and the longer we dwell on them.

Getting Past Indecisiveness

Indecisiveness can be a frustrating and debilitating problem, but it is not insurmountable. By understanding the reasons behind our indecisiveness and taking proactive steps to address it, we can learn to make decisions with confidence and clarity.

Indecisiveness can be caused by stress, or, in some cases, it can create stress. To learn more about this aspect of decision-making, check out: Avoid Stress During Decision-Making.

Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.