Indecision can be a real drag, leaving you stuck in limbo and second-guessing every little thing.
However, it’s not always easy to recognise those pesky habits that keep you from making choices with confidence. So, let’s shine a light on those sneaky tendencies that might be holding you back. Whether it’s the fear of missing out, the need for perfection, or simply overthinking every possibility, these habits can seriously cramp your decision-making style.
1. You have an overwhelming fear of missing out (FOMO).
The thought of choosing one option over another fills you with dread because you’re terrified of missing out on something potentially better. Whether it’s picking a restaurant, a holiday destination, or even a career path, the fear of making the “wrong” choice paralyses you. This FOMO can lead to endless research, comparisons, and ultimately, no decision at all.
2. You constantly need reassurance from other people.
Source: Unsplash You lack confidence in your own judgment and rely heavily on other people’s opinions. Before making even the smallest decision, you bombard your friends, family, or colleagues with questions, hoping they’ll validate your choices. This dependency on external validation can be exhausting for both you and the people around you.
3. You overanalyse every single detail.
Source: Unsplash Instead of focusing on the big picture, you get bogged down in the minutiae of every decision. You endlessly weigh the pros and cons, analyse every possible outcome, and create elaborate scenarios in your head. This overthinking leads to a state of analysis paralysis, where you become so overwhelmed by the details that you can’t move forward.
4. You constantly change your mind.
Source: Unsplash One minute you’re convinced you’ve made the right choice, but the next minute you’re second-guessing yourself. This flip-flopping can be incredibly frustrating for both you and the people involved in your decisions. It’s like you’re on a never-ending rollercoaster of indecision, unable to settle on a firm course of action.
5. You have difficulty setting priorities.
Source: Unsplash Everything seems equally important to you, making it impossible to determine what truly matters. This lack of prioritisation can lead to a scattered approach to decision-making, where you jump from one option to another without any clear direction. It’s like you’re trying to juggle too many balls at once, and they all end up crashing to the ground.
6. You postpone decisions until the last possible moment.
Source: Unsplash Procrastination is your middle name. You put off making decisions until the absolute deadline, hoping that something will magically happen to make the choice easier. This last-minute scramble often leads to rushed decisions that you later regret. It’s a vicious cycle of avoidance and stress that can take a toll on your mental well-being.
7. You have an unrealistic need for perfection.
Source: Unsplash You strive for the ideal outcome in every situation, and anything less than perfect is unacceptable. This perfectionism can be paralysing, as you become so fixated on finding the “best” option that you never actually make a choice. You’re always waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect opportunity, or the perfect solution, which rarely exists in the real world.
8. You are terrified of making mistakes.
Source: Unsplash The fear of failure looms large in your mind, preventing you from taking risks and making bold decisions. You believe that every choice you make has the potential to lead to disaster, so you play it safe and stick to the familiar. This aversion to mistakes can hold you back from achieving your goals and reaching your full potential.
9. You struggle to accept ambiguity.
Source: Unsplash Uncertainty is your kryptonite. You crave clear-cut answers and definite outcomes, but life rarely offers those guarantees. Ambiguity makes you feel anxious and uneasy, so you avoid situations where the path forward isn’t crystal clear. This aversion to the unknown can limit your options and prevent you from embracing new opportunities.
10. You dwell on past decisions.
Source: Unsplash You spend an inordinate amount of time replaying past choices in your head, analysing what you could have done differently. This dwelling on the past prevents you from moving forward and making new decisions. It’s like you’re stuck in a time loop of regret and “what ifs,” unable to let go and embrace the present.
11. You compare yourself to everyone else.
You constantly measure your choices against those of your friends, family, or even strangers on social media. This comparison game can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, making it even harder to make decisions that feel right for you. You start to question your own judgment and wonder if you’re missing out on something better.
12. You have difficulty saying “no.”
You have a hard time turning down requests or opportunities, even when they don’t align with your goals or values. This fear of disappointing people or missing out can lead to overcommitment and a lack of focus. You end up spreading yourself too thin, unable to give your full attention to the things that truly matter.
13. You lack self-trust.
Deep down, you don’t believe in your own ability to make good choices. This lack of self-trust can stem from past mistakes or negative experiences. It creates a self-fulfilling prophecy, where you second-guess every decision and doubt your own instincts. This lack of confidence can be paralysing and prevent you from taking action.
14. You avoid taking responsibility.
When faced with a difficult decision, you often deflect responsibility onto other people or external factors. You blame circumstances, other people, or even fate for the choices you make. This avoidance of responsibility prevents you from learning from your mistakes and growing as a person. It’s like you’re playing a game of hot potato with your own life, never willing to take ownership.
15. You seek external validation for your choices.
Instead of trusting your own judgment, you constantly seek approval from everyone else. You want to make sure that your decisions are “right” according to society, your family, or your friends. This need for external validation can lead to a lack of authenticity and a feeling of disconnection from your own desires and values.
