Post #82 When you Dwell in Indecision
To go to graduate school or not, to pursue one job or the other, to break up or not … you are faced with so many decisions. Some offer obvious solutions, others may nag and linger for days or months. This article offers some perspectives on why you dwell in indecision.
Consequences of Indecision
You have limited brain energy at your daily disposal – what’s the best use of it? Too much indecision sets you back by wasting time, wasting energy and enabling procrastination. The more you dwell in indecision by contemplating or making pros/cons lists, the more energy you are using. I’m not advocating you shouldn’t think about decisions, I caution you to know where to draw the line. Excessive indecision takes away from your productivity. It uses precious energy that could be applied elsewhere. Thinking about a decision over and over will wear your brain out before you’ve acted toward that decision.
Why We Choose to be Indecisive
Indecision is your choice, let’s first clear that up. It is a conscious effort your brain chooses to make, it doesn’t happen “to you.” If excessive indecision is so bad or wasteful, you ask, why does your brain do it? The first reason is simply that indecision feels comfortable to the brain. What I mean is that your brain prefers indecision over risking a wrong decision. Your brain is more familiar with discomfort than risk. Another reason we dwell in indecision is because deciding means we must act. Indecision, on some level, allows us to be lazy, avoid commitment and make an excuse. Last, we avoid decisions because we are brought up to believe decisions are either right or wrong. What if, instead of being right or wrong, decisions force us to either win or learn?
Decision-Making is a Skill
Anybody can be learn decision-making abilities, this is a skill you can build. It may be tempting to look at others and think they are talented or lucky due to their quick decision-making skills. With practice and conscious effort, you don’t have to dwell in indecision. First, instead of thinking in terms of decisions being right or wrong, ask yourself, “Am I winning or learning?” Second, always remember to make decisions from positivity, not out of negative emotions (anger, frustration, resentment, etc.). Those types of decisions may come back to haunt. Last, commit to your decision, do not look back or wonder, “what if.” Commit to a decision and live your life 100% from that decision; never carry regret.
For additional tools and brain exercises to help you manage your COVID-19 circumstances, visit my YouTube video: Managing Student Life During COVID-19
