Make a decision. The road of life is paved with squirrels that couldn’t make a decision.
No decision is a decision.
How many times do you languish in the throes of making a decision? Do you wait on someone else, strive to “get ready”, or get caught between two good ideas?
Not making a decision — or delaying, waiting, and twiddling your thumbs — can be worse than making the wrong decision. You can correct or modify the wrong decision. There’s nothing you can do with a no-decision.
Sure, due diligence is a great tool, and you should take every advantage of wise counsel. But due diligence has a time limit, and you easily can overthink and over plan. Further, just like things in your kitchen or bathroom, good ideas have a shelf life and a “best-if-used-by” expiration date.
Here are some things to consider if you are stuck in decision mode.
Are you stuck in indecision because you are considering the wrong options? Hmm, interesting thought. John Mason says, “What benefit is running if you’re on the wrong road?” Perhaps your lack of decision is that the choices aren’t the best?
What’s the worst that can happen? The ramifications of not making a decision are worse than either of the choices you are delaying. The worst that may happen is that you have to pick up some pieces and start down another road.
What’s the real reason for your indecision? In other words, what do you fear? Failure? What may people think of you? Loss of money? Don’t be a people pleaser—no more excuses. You can do it!
Are you just scared to death? Now’s the time, do it, afraid! Do it now! Everything you want is on the other side of this fear.
Everything needs to be just right. Well, if that’s your challenge, you’ll probably never get started. Perfection is a game-stopper and keeps you in the status quo. And, we all know the definition of status quo: It’s Latin for the mess we’re in. Stop getting ready to get ready.
Remember the goal. Sometimes, indecision comes from taking our eyes off the plan. Which of your options align with your goals, principles, and values? This one can be an eye-opener and an a-ha moment.
Overwhelmed? Sure, we all get there. When you get overwhelmed, it often helps to focus on one thing. What is the one thing holding me back? If I can’t make the big decision today, what decision can I make to get closer to my goal?
Let’s flip the script and turn indecision into a victory. Here are some ideas that may help.
- Set a deadline to implement your plan. If there is no deadline, it is not real.
- Ask yourself the big question: If time, money, resources, people, location and situation were not a factor, what would you do?
- Do your research and gather information.
- Invite input from trusted sources.
- Develop your game plan.
- Eliminate options. Narrow it down. Attrition sometimes wins the battle.
- Take the emotion out of the decision. Look at the cold, hard facts.
- After looking at the cold, hard facts, what does your heart say to do? No, that’s not a contradiction. It’s reality. Let your heart speak.
- Finally, pull the trigger. Trust yourself, your plan, your input, your research.
Whether you have a big decision like a relationship or job or a smaller decision like choosing a restaurant or what church to attend, don’t be the deer in the headlights or the indecisive squirrel.
“Indecision is the greatest thief of opportunity.” ~Jim Rohn.