7 Strategies to Stop Indecisiveness

A sought-after Filipino motivational speaker believes that what ails Filipino managers and bosses is the fear of being wrong and blamed, leading most to choose not to make a decision at all. Well, technically, not making a choice is still a choice, right? Kidding aside, the solutions for this widespread concern are finally here courtesy of an article by Natasha Burton of DailyWorth. Please decide to read seven expert-recommended ways to stop indecisiveness:

1. Pay attention to your emotions

This option is almost always brought up during the times you are asked, “What does your gut tell you?” Sherianna Boyle, author of The Four Gifts of Anxiety, explains that listening to what your gut tells you and trusting your emotions are similar. She also adds that emotions can be considered a guidepost. Keep in mind the: “If it’s not a definite yes, it’s a no” signal that may come in handy as a guide when using emotions as a gauge.

2. Take your time

Do you make decisions in rapid fashion? Studies show that the incorporate-the-pause method can help provide sounder decisions. Having a sense-of-urgency meter can help you weigh which decisions need to be acted upon at the soonest possible moment. Going for a walk or doing an activity you enjoy to keep you occupied before making a decision can be helpful as well.

3. Think strategically

Strategic thinking may be right up the alley of logical thinkers. These people have an emphasis on achieving clarity, which is done via a number of approaches, gathering available facts, and understanding how one processes information, and getting to know one’s belief system. These elements can give the confidence to logic-driven people when it’s time to make a decision.

4. Ask who you’re trying to please

Being indecisive can come as a result of looking to please more than one person at the same time. Always remember, decisions to be made should not be dictated by other people but by a true and meaningful criteria for you and the task at hand.

5. Banish your perfection mindset

A “perfection mindset”, according to business strategist RM Harrison, is “the belief that we must have everything figured out all at once and that there can’t be any room for mistakes”. Exhibiting this mindset is actually counterproductive since it can be a catalyst for the fear of failing and making a mistake. Errors are actually part of the process and can deliver valuable lessons.

6. Let go of bad decisions

Let past mistakes remain where they are now – in the past. Life coach Brenden Dilley suggests that indecisive people have trouble putting previous mistakes in the rearview mirror, making them prone to “paralysis by analysis”. Establish and keep on building trust in yourself by forgiving yourself for poor decisions and former mistakes made.

7. Visualize possible outcomes

See the results that may arise from your decision by visualizing probable outcomes. Some may even journal about it. Or you can also map out respective thought processes or jot down scenarios that may arise. Through the use of these seven strategies, we hope you’ll have a more rewarding and less stressful decision-making period and have the strong belief that everything will work out for the best, regardless of what happens.