If you’re running a business, you have to make decisions, each and every day. Lots of them. Those decisions can range from minor choices to select an option that will have life altering consequences. So how well do you make decisions? Is it a problem for you or do you weigh up the options available and immediately take action?
Many of us struggle with making decisions, some days worse than others. When it’s a real problem, it is technically known as Decidophobia; the inability to make a decision.
Why do we struggle with decision making? Not to simplify it too much, but most of our concerns do come down to fear. We fear the responsibility. We fear to leave our comfort zone and heading into the unknown. We fear to make the wrong choice and the ensuing consequences. We fear upsetting others with our decision. I could go on, the reasons are many, but they usually involve fear.
Overall, our fear of what could go wrong and our desire to make the right decision, for everyone, can hold us back to the point that we don’t make any decision at all.
If you suffer from Decidophobia to some degree and would like to change your indecisiveness, the following tips may help:
Breathe!
Don’t let the weight of making a decisive turn into a stressful situation. Relax, take a breather, then come back and look at it again.
Be Objective
Sometimes we get too close to a situation and we start to ruminate. Try taking a purely objective approach. List the pros and cons of the options available. This will help you to weigh your options and will give you more confidence about making the right decision.
Believe in Yourself
Sometimes you have to make a snap decision, the situation calls for it. If this is the case, take a moment to pause and quickly consider your options, and then go for it! Once you have made a decision don’t second-guess yourself.
Don’t Rush It
On the other hand, if the situation gives you time to make the decision, take it. Digest what information you have and look for any further information that will help you to make a strong, informed decision.
Speak Up
In most situations, we have people we can turn to for guidance and support. Go to your inner circle and get the opinions and input from people you respect and who have experience or expertise in relation to the decision you need to make.
Listen to Your Instincts
I’m a great believer in gut instinct. I will usually look for the data to back up or even contradict what my gut is telling me. But I don’t usually ignore it.
Don’t Let a Fear of Failure Hold You Back
We’re human after all, we are going to fail. Usually in direct proportion to what we attempt. If you don’t make any decision then you won’t fail, but you won’t succeed either. Once you do make a decision, you have to take action.
Don’t Be Afraid to Admit When Your Choice was Wrong
There will be times that your decision wasn’t the right one or circumstances have changed and there is a better option available. Admit your mistake and make the necessary changes. Don’t lose valuable time and resources trying to justify a bad decision. Change and move on.
