Everyone gets stuck sometimes, especially in the face of a huge decision.
But if you find yourself constantly wavering, second-guessing every choice, and feeling paralysed by indecision, you need to do something about it. Indecision can hold you back in ways you may not even realise. Here are a few signs that being indecisive might be messing with your life.
1. You struggle to make even small decisions.
Source: Unsplash Choosing a restaurant for dinner, deciding what to wear, or even picking a film to watch can feel like a monumental task. You endlessly weigh the pros and cons, change your mind multiple times, and end up feeling frustrated and stressed over the simplest choices.
2. You miss out on opportunities because you can’t commit.
That dream job, an exciting travel opportunity, or even a promising relationship might slip through your fingers simply because you couldn’t make up your mind in time. Fear of making the wrong choice can lead to missed chances and a lingering sense of regret.
3. You constantly second-guess yourself after making a decision.
Even after finally making a choice, you’re plagued by doubts and worries. You replay the decision in your mind, wondering if you made the right call. This constant second-guessing can erode your confidence and make it even harder to trust your own judgment in the future.
4. You feel overwhelmed by the number of options available.
The modern world offers an abundance of choices, from endless streaming services to a dizzying array of coffee flavours. While having options is great, it can also be overwhelming for an indecisive person. You might find yourself paralysed by the fear of missing out or making the wrong choice.
5. You need constant reassurance from people.
You constantly ask friends, family, and even strangers for their opinions and advice. You rely on external validation to feel confident in your decisions. But seeking constant reassurance can be draining for you and those around you, and it can prevent you from developing your own decision-making skills.
6. You procrastinate on important tasks.
Indecision often leads to procrastination. You put off making a decision, hoping that the right answer will magically appear. But delaying decisions often just leads to more stress and missed deadlines. It’s better to make a choice, even if it’s not perfect, than to let the task languish in limbo.
7. You feel anxious and stressed about making the wrong choice.
The fear of making a mistake can be overwhelming and keep you stuck in a rut. You worry about the potential consequences of your decisions, both big and small. This anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, and insomnia. It can also lead to a general feeling of unease and unhappiness.
8. You have trouble expressing your preferences.
When someone asks what you want, you often say, “I don’t mind” or “Whatever you want.” While it’s fine to be flexible sometimes, consistently deferring to other people’s preferences can be a sign of low self-esteem or a fear of asserting your own needs and desires.
9. You miss out on spontaneous fun.
Last-minute invitations for a night out or a weekend trip often fill you with dread. You worry about making the right choice, packing the right things, or whether you’ll actually enjoy yourself. This hesitancy can lead you to miss out on spontaneous adventures and joyful experiences.
10. You stay in unsatisfying situations for too long.
Whether it’s a dead-end job, a toxic relationship, or a living situation you dislike, indecision can keep you trapped in unhappiness. You might know deep down that it’s time for a change, but the fear of the unknown or the perceived effort involved can end up keeping you stuck in place.
11. You blame everybody else for your choices.
When things don’t go as planned, you might blame other people for influencing your decision or not providing enough information. Taking responsibility for your own choices, even the ones that don’t work out, is an essential part of personal growth and learning from your mistakes.
12. You have difficulty setting boundaries.
Saying “yes” to everything, even when you don’t have the time or energy, can lead to burnout and resentment. Indecisive people often struggle to say no, fearing they’ll miss out or disappoint people. Learning to set boundaries and prioritise your own needs is crucial for overall wellness.
13. You feel like you’re constantly chasing the “perfect” choice.
There’s rarely a single “perfect” choice in life. Most decisions involve trade-offs and compromises. If you’re always striving for the ideal outcome, you’ll likely end up feeling disappointed and frustrated. Accepting that “good enough” is often good enough can be liberating and lead to more decisive action.
