The Cost of Indecision

At a certain point in our lives, we've all been indecisive about certain things be it, ideas, decisions, proposals, or actions, we over-analyzed and as a result, we find it difficult making up our mind. In the archive of an indecisive person, the following phrases are sure to be found, "Let me sleep over it. Maybe. Am not sure. You decide. I will think about it. Am still thinking about it. Give me more time. to name a few" Oftentimes, I call this "analysis paralysis." When the stakes are high, we often find it difficult making up our mind, but when our indecision becomes repetitive, it starts becoming a pattern.

At the center of every indecision is fear of the unknown, the willingness to know an outcome before taking the step.  It was Martin Luther King who said, take the first step in faith, you don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step in faith. Do you know that not taking a decision is still a decision of no decision? There won't be a need for faith, risk, prayer, or God's intervention in the cause of man if we all have a sure predicted outcome of all our decisions. 

Isaac Newton's first law of motion states that every object will remain at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless compelled to change its state by the action of an external force. Which can also be loosely translated to be "Our life will remain at a constant state of rest, or uniform motion, unless decisive actions are taken or plans are put in place. " The external force sometimes may be making up your mind to take certain steps or actions. When the stakes are high, we always find it difficult making up our mind, and when we are open to too many options, we have the tendencies to be indecisive. 

Indecisiveness makes you vulnerable, it projects a lack of self-confidence, poor self-image, lack of self-respect, poor self-esteem, and overly dependence on external validation. I have seen people stuck in a job they don't like, a relationship that is detrimental to their well-being, a conversation they resent, all because they are being indecisive about walking away or taking their stand. 

So then, how can we overcome indecision? 

1. Use the 10-10-10 rule in decision making: Ask if what you are deciding on would still matter in 10 minutes, 10 months or in 10 years. The longer the benefits of the decision, the better the chances that the decision is really worth taking. 

2. Equip yourself with adequate information: The quality of information at your disposal is directly proportionate to the quality of your decisions. More information gives you better insight, a more informed perspective on your decision. Get yourself abreast with all relevant information that will help you fine-tune your thinking process in making up your mind. 

3. Write down the pros and cons: Think of the benefits and consequences. Ask, what is the worst case scenario and can you survive or live with it? Yes, there are no guarantees that things will always turn out the way you planned them to turn out, but you wouldn't want to live with the regret of wishing you had tried or make an attempt. Take time to think about your decision or choices through, but don't get stuck at thinking. Be proactive and take a bold step. 

4. Seek Counsel: Success leaves clues, so also does failures. Reach out to those who have once taken similar decisions you are about to take. You will learn more from others mistake, than learning from your own experiences. 

5. Trust your gut feelings: There is no absolute certainty that things will turn out exactly the way you've planned, sometimes you just have to trust your gut feelings and use your instincts. Ecclesiastes 11:3 quote "If you wait until the wind and the weather are just right, you will never plant anything and never harvest anything."

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