Making decisions is a critical part of life, whether you own and operate a small business or you are simply trying to decide what to order in the Chic-fil-A drive-thru. Decision making is inevitable, and for those of us who struggle with snap decisions or overthinking simple choices, this can be a major issue, both in life and in business. If you struggle with decision paralysis, there are ways that you can break this habit and train your mind to deal with choices and important decisions calmly and confidently.
When it comes to making decisions, people often say things like “Go with your gut,” or “Don’t overthink it.” This advice is all fine and dandy for many people, but you may need a more in-depth strategy to deal with this struggle. When it comes to just making a choice and moving on, whether it is a big or small decision, the following tips can make it a little easier for you:
- Don’t take in too much information. Chances are, you can make a solid, thoughtful decision without knowing every bit of information. Ask for only the facts you need, not every single fact that exists about the situation. Information overload leads directly to decision paralysis. Process only the one or two most important facts.
- Trust your instincts. Instinct is a powerful tool, but years of doubting that little voice can become a habit that is difficult to break. Important decisions should be made using a combination of both your instinct and information. Making decisions based on gut feelings may feel like a foreign concept to you, but it is okay to take a deep breath and trust your instincts from time to time.
- Rely on your experience. In times when you find it difficult to move forward, think back over your past experiences. You can trust what you have been through, you can consider the results of past decisions (both good and bad) and you can use those experiences to make solid decisions today.
- Ask for guidance. If you can’t decide and find yourself frozen in place on a certain matter, it is fine to seek the counsel of a trusted mentor or friend. In fact, an outside perspective can give you the push you need to make a choice and move forward.
If you are a person who obsesses over decisions, you are not alone. You may not be able to cure indecisiveness overnight, but with the right tools, what used to stop you in your tracks can become an easier, less painful process.
By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC