The High-Pressure Moment – When the Clock Is Ticking
We’ve all been here, where the clock is beeping and you’ve got less than a minute to make a choice otherwise all of them(alternatives) will be gone, and it will take a while or never for an opportunity like this to be seen again.
In that very moment, there is not only tension but a million thoughts that can flow through our heads. At times, making you question your whole life, up to that very point.
The Slower but Equally Painful Trap of Indecision
You may not be caught up in that sort of pressure but have got to make an important decision that will impact your future very greatly. You could be caught up in this web of indecision and have not got a clue what to do next. Your foot is into this one but then you remember the advantages of the other choice. On what you might be missing out, and you feel like this, then like that, continuously.
First Move: Regain Control of Your Mind
You gotta get a grip of your mind in that moment, self control. If possible, write down all the options you’ve got to choose from. Then write down all their respective cons and pros without any bias. This will help you gain more control of the situation and create a clearer picture.
When You Have More Than Two Options –The Real Problem Begins
However some of us have not only got to choose between two options but have about three to four or more alternatives to choose from. Eliminate all less relevant ones and remain with only *two. Why?
Sometimes we tend not to choose at all, when given too many options.
Why Too Many Choices Paralyze Us–The Shopping Example
That’s why we tend to take hours online shopping, yet we could just get the accessory we want, on the first click. We spend hours scrolling to find the right product because there is too much variety, too many factors to consider, from convenience, price, quality, brand, etc.
Two Bottles vs Ten – The Power of Limited Options
However if you were thirsty and someone told you to choose between two bottles, one a soft drink, the other water. You would easily choose whatever is convenient and take it immediately.
Why Fast Decisions Are Usually Better
It’s actually very much recommended to make decisions fast, if possible, because only then can we stall more time to turn back. just in case we find difficulties or faults in the first choice. Although, if you were given ten bottles of different brands of soft drinks, you would spend some quality time trying to scan for the best drink to pick.
As so, having less options to choose from is a better place to be in because things get done faster.
When You Have Time: Let Big Decisions Marinate
If you’ve got time, probably when making a long term decision such as: which course should you do for college or whether you want this relationship or not, be it marriage. Walk away for a while and let your mind marinate deeply for a few days or weeks. Ask yourself:
Whether this is the life you want?
Is it a need or a want?
How will it contribute towards your life goals, or to what extent will it deteriorate you?
Emotions Fade – Facts Remain Forever
Stick to the facts, if it is a decision you have to make, it’s important to put behind your emotions and look at plain truth. Those emotions you feel now will fade away but the truth; it will remain forever! There is nothing more dangerous than making a temporary choice that leaves permanent effects.
Align Choices with Your True Priorities
Write down your priorities and rank them accordingly, align the pros versus cons of the two choices you’ve got to choose from. Perhaps asking yourself whether you should get married or not?
Ask yourself:
Does this partner align with my personal values?
Am I ready to have extra responsibilities like children?
Will I be able to sustain my dream life after marrying?
In such an angle, you should ask yourself. If the choice aligns, well and fine. But if not, you know what to do.
When the Two Options Feel Almost Identical
What if these options are very similar with only a few differences?
In this case you might have to realign your priorities and be sure. Do so, also for the choices and put them on a scale. Don’t mix in your emotions please, stick to the facts. Your future self will be proud you made the difficult good choices that put you there. Then make the appropriate decision that weighs more or aligns with your values.
When it feels Impossible to pick –Bring in a Mediator
On the contrary, if the scales are balancing. Yes, sometimes these decisions may be way too similar yet so different. In that they criss-cross or have purely unique pros but they are somewhat all important, then a mediator is your last option.
If media or online sources, neither friends nor family can help you make the right choice. For instance, in the context of choosing which course or career is better to pursue, the expert consultation is your next best option. Although this is the most obvious for most people concerning professional matters, it is also the least famous in actual life. For matters concerning personal life decisions.
The Greatest Fear: “What If I Choose Wrong?”
What if things go wrong after?
This is the worst fear for most of us, in fact, it’s the reason we are caught up in the web of indecision in the first place.
How this Doubt Can Destroy Even a Good Decision
Decisions you personally delayed are not worth taking on after all. Is it because the decision is bad if you delay, or are scared to make it? No, sometimes the fear lingers, even though the decision may have been good, you may end up messing it up or only experiencing its downside all because of your perception, you were not sure. And this lingers on as you live through the decision, making you question yourself on everything that goes wrong in the process.
Bold Commitment vs. Half-Hearted Doubt
Yet even though the decision itself wasn’t good initially, you made it boldly and pursued it. And things don’t go as expected. Your perception is still positive. This fuels you to go further into this decision to make it right because nobody likes accepting they were wrong. This positive perception makes you believe the decision is good. However, if you had your doubts while making the decision, even though things might be going well, you tend to look out for what is actually going wrong. All because you yearn to prove that you were right [that this decision was wrong] and you end up unfortunately spoiling good things. Relationships for instance.
Optimism, Speed, and the Possibility of Turning Back
It’s better sometimes to not make the decision at all if you have doubts or are scared. If it can be avoided, let it pass. On rare occassions,bad beginnings lead to good endings. Let’s be more optimistic at all times.
Also being fast in making decisions is crucial, be it in a business, family or at work. It gives you ample time to run back in case things aren’t going as wanted, on the contrary, those who take their time to decide are caught up in webs of the problems which they realise too late in life. Sometimes when they are old or after the resources are no longer available and they can no longer go back. Avoid that trap, decide fast.
Nothing Is Permanent – Commit Fully or Don’t Start
Nothing in life is permanent, if things go wrong, turn around. Don’t ever look back. Keep walking and don’t stop. If you are to go; go all the way, otherwise don’t start at all.
In this life, there will always be uncertainty about almost every single decision you make. And you had better come at peace with that. Lemme show you how you can leverage this uncertainty into opportunity for growth.
