If you find yourself constantly wavering between choices, procrastinating on making tough decisions, or feeling overwhelmed every time a choice presents itself – you’re in the right place. Being indecisive can be a super frustrating quality. Not only does it make us feel stuck and stagnant, but it’s also a huge time killer and can lead to built up anxiety. We have put together five easy tips on how to stop being indecisive so you can make decisions quickly and painlessly. If you prefer video, Coach Elise has recorded her favorite tips below. Otherwise keep reading our tips on how to stop being indecisive!
Narrow Down Your Options
Choice paralysis is usually at the root of indecisiveness. This is why Costco, aka the best place ever, usually only has two skus of products to choose from. You want ketchup? Great. There are two brands to choose from. That’s it. Trader Joe’s follows the same strategy and it seems to be working well for them, too. Whereas when you go to your typical grocery store, there are a ZILLION choices when all you are trying to do is grab some paper towels and some salad dressing.
This reason alone is why I typically loathe going to my local Pavillions but always run at the chance to go to Trader Joe’s. It’s not because one is better than the other – it’s because I know I won’t waste a half hour mulling over dumb decisions that honestly don’t matter. I’m in and I’m out because I’m not having an existential crisis over each and every thing I place into my cart. I feel confident when my choices are narrowed.
So if you truly want to know how to stop being indecisive – be a Costco! Only offer yourself a few choices. Narrow them down. Don’t bother going over every possible scenario in front of you. This will only waste your time, heighten your anxiety, and cause buyer’s remorse later. Stick to the basics. Be a Costco.
Let Go of Picking the Perfect Choice
Take that pressure right off of you immediately. There is no such thing as a “perfect” choice – only a “good choice.” So when you are trying to learn how to stop being indecisive – eliminating the idea of a perfect choice has to be incorporated immediately.
When we aim for perfection, we get messy. Impulsive. Irrational. We don’t utilize our intuition and we certainly don’t take time to reflect. We become way too results-focused, and don’t practice mindfulness during this chaotic time. So the last thing we need to do is to hyper-focus on a “perfect” outcome when we know that doesn’t exist. Overcoming perfectionism is a battle in itself, but for now, try to take it out of the equation when you’re finally learning how to stop being indecisive.
Instead, focus on choices made by listening to your intuition, logic, reasoning, and experience. Research a little, listen to your own voice, confide in people you trust, and then pull the trigger. A well-informed decision and reflective decision is a good decision, and that’s all that matters.
Make a Pros and Cons List
Now that you’ve narrowed down your choices and you’ve released the idea of a perfect choi