Break Free from Decision Paralysis

Written by Jordan Meehan, LCSW

Have you ever been stuck not knowing what to do? It’s normal that everyone faces tricky decisions that can feel impossible to make. Life is full of choices, big and small, and sometimes, they can be overwhelming. However, you don’t have to stay stuck. With the right strategies, you can break free from decision paralysis and handle life’s tough decisions with more confidence and ease.

What is Decision Paralysis?

Think about your day. You make lots of choices, from what time to wake up to what meals you want to make. These decisions might feel easy because you make them almost every day. But every so often, you might encounter a decision that seems more challenging.

When a decision seems too tough to make, your first instinct might be to avoid it. It’s normal to be scared of making the wrong choice, but ignoring the decision won’t help in the long run. Making tough decisions is a part of life and delaying them only makes your experience harder.

Many big decisions usually don’t have a clear right or wrong answer. Thankfully, if one choice doesn’t work out, you can always try another. Accepting that you can’t be sure about every outcome or consequence is the first step to handling tough decisions.

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Tips For Overcoming Decision Paralysis

1. Know Your Priorities:

Think about what’s most important to you right now. Reflect on the values you have and which values might be in conflict as you explore your choices. Knowing your values can help guide your decision and give you greater peace of mind once you make a choice.

2. Explore Other Options:

Sometimes, the best choice isn’t the most obvious choice. Consider different possibilities you haven’t thought about before. Try writing them down as a way to organize your thoughts and ensure you are taking into consideration all your options.

3. Pros and Cons List:

Write down the good and bad things about each option. Identifying which pros and cons hold the most value will allow you to narrow down your choices. Additionally, seeing the pros and cons on paper can help you feel more organized in your approach.

4. Ask for Advice:

If you are struggling with identifying your options or even identifying various pros and cons, talk to someone you trust, like a friend or family member. They might have been in a similar situation and can share their thoughts. Big decisions don’t have to be made alone!

5. Face Your Fears:

Fear can stop you from making a decision. It’s important to acknowledge your fears, but don’t let the fear control your choices. Look at the options objectively.

6. Take a Break:

If you’re thinking too much about a decision, take a break. Doing activities you enjoy can help clear your mind and give you added perspective. Sometimes, the best decisions come when you give your brain a break.

7. Release the Pressure:

While it’s impossible to not have thoughts about what others might expect, it’s important to set those thoughts aside to give yourself a chance to understand what you actually want. If nobody else’s opinion mattered, what choice would make you happy? Freeing yourself from outside pressure and expectations can uncover your true desires regarding a decision.

8. Embrace Not Knowing:

Understand that not having all the information for a decision is normal. Embracing uncertainty and surrendering to it allows you to be more flexible. Life is a constant journey of figuring out what works best for you as both new experiences and new information come to light.

Making decisions is a skill you get better at with practice. Embrace not knowing everything, consider different options, and ask for help when you need it. Don’t let tough decisions hold you back. Take a deep breath, trust yourself, and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. Life is full of choices, and each decision helps create your unique story.

Restorative Counseling’s Team Can Help You Break Free From Decision Paralysis

You have the strength within you to overcome indecision and feel confident in making your own choices. Remember, discovering who you are often happens through the decisions you make. Restorative Counseling is here to help you along the way. Our team will tailor treatment to your needs so that you can both gain a better understanding of your values and learn how to cope with the stress that comes with making big decisions. Contact us to get started.