The paralysis of indecision

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Sometimes I work with clients who are at a junction in the road of their career and need some help deciding what direction to take. They normally would have pontificated for quite some time and feel very ‘stuck’ by the time the engage me. They need some help to objectively look at their options and make a decision with confidence and clarity - removing the blockage so the can move forward with renewed energy. We have all been there at some point in our career – should I stay in my job or take a new role? Should I take the leap and start my own business? What direction should my business take? The problem is the fear of making the ‘wrong decision’ - like every decision is final and irreversible (sometimes it is but rarely so). This is very black and white thinking, and things are rarely black and white. People over think, they look at every detail and break it down into further detail. It’s exhausting and energy draining. In the end they are so stuck in the detail that they can't see the wood for the trees – time to get some external guidance. That’s when I come in. I think when we are in this position we need someone external, with no agenda (bar supporting you) to ask us the right questions.

Here are a few thoughts on decision making:

Write down the pros and cons of each option – get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper in black and white. Be honest with yourself, what are your fears for each option? Write them down. Think about the CONTEXT for the change. Is it about taking CONTROL? Is it about earning more MONEY? Is it about BUILDING something?

1. Set yourself a hard time limit of when you will make your decision. Nothing like deadlines to focus the mind!
2. If your options are around a business or new product idea – test the market. Doing something (rather than just thinking) will help move you forward, so if you have an idea go and talk to potential customers about your idea. That will help clarify if you are on to something or too late to market
3. Listen to your instincts – they are usually right yet we become well practiced at tuning them out. School teaches us to THINK rather than FEEL or LISTEN to our instincts yet they are our best resource, so engage and listen to your instincts. What are they telling you?
4. JFWDI (If you don’t know what that means, drop me a message and I will tell you!) – what is the worst that can happen? Make a decision and go with it. It isn't (usually) irreversible so don’t over catastrophise the consequences of going down a certain route.

  Want to know more or need some help? Then please get in touch.