How to Overcome Indecisiveness

Can't Decide?

Everyone has a hard time making decisions from time to time. However, for some people, it is more than that. If you are a people-pleaser, you do not like to make waves or let people down. These types of thoughts and feelings can lead you to have difficulty making decisions, fearing outcomes that might make others unhappy. Perhaps you tend to over-analyze and become virtually paralyzed when it comes down to making a choice. Take back your power to make decisions for yourself following these steps.

Instructions

1. Listen to your gut. Usually your instincts are right on. However, if you have been shushing your gut feelings over a long period of time, you might have forgotten how to know what they are saying to you. Breathe deeply, close your eyes and try to hear that inner voice.

2. Consider the worst case scenario of that gut feeling. Once you have thought about the most terrible thing that could happen if you make your instinctive choice, you might realize that it wouldn't be that bad. You can also come up with ways to deal with that possible outcome.

3. Leave it alone for a while. If the decision does not need to be made immediately, give yourself a time limit to mull it over. Sleep on it or walk away for a half-hour.

4. Imagine living with the decision. That might be as simple as eating a butter brickle sundae (instead of cherries and fudge) or as life altering as being married to the person you are dating. Sit in the feelings that come along with that imagery. Do you feel content or disappointed, stressed out or at peace?

5. Flip a coin. Call heads for one choice, tails for the other. When the coin lands and you see the outcome, check your emotions. Do you feel relieved or let down? Use this as a tool in coming to your final decision.

Tips & Warnings

• It is perfectly okay to ask for input from people you trust and respect when making a decision.

• The more decisions you make, the more confident you will feel.

• Consider the fact that you make thousands of decisions each day. You decide whether or not to get out of bed, what to eat for breakfast and what clothes to wear. Give yourself the credit you deserve.

• Don't let others do all of the deciding for you.

Resources

• Ask the Magic 8-Ball
• Printable pros and cons graph