The morning I resigned from my advertising job to commit to full time entrepreneurship I was riddled with indecision, anxiety and doubt. Was I being irresponsible? Maybe. Was it too risky? Perhaps. Should I wait? I didn’t know for certain. But does anyone know anything for certain, ever?
The moment I called that final meeting with my boss, shut the door and we sat down, I no longer felt indecisive, there was no turning back.
What I did know in the months leading up to that day was that feeling “just ok” with my life was a career decision I was making, too.
And it didn’t feel great.
Because by being indecisive and not making a decision to change anything, I was making a passive decision whether I liked it or not!
Indecision is a decision, too.
I’ve always loved what Theodore Roosevelt said, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
Have you been putting off a big decision because you just can’t figure out what to do?
If you don’t move to Colorado, forge ahead for that VP title, start a side hustle this spring, or call off your less-than-satisfactory relationship, you are deciding to stay where you are…
You are deciding to live in Chicago.
You are deciding to remain in your current job.
You are deciding to reject entrepreneurship (and more dough).
You are deciding to stay with Tom or Tiffany.
If you feel a big decision is looming in your life, don’t hide from it! Finding the right answer for you can be much easier than you think.
Here are some questions I ask myself when I feel indecisive, to help me choose the best possible outcome:
How long have I been thinking about this?
This is a brilliant question that any good life coach would ask you. If someone comes to me wanting to start a party-planning business, it’s very different if their answer is “Since I saw a movie about it two days ago!” versus “Two or three years—it’s always been in the back of my mind.”
The length of time is a good indicator of how important something is to you. The longer you’ve been thinking about it, the more important it tends to be.
When I think about it, how does my body feel?
Imagine the potential outcomes of the decision.
Picture yourself and your life a few months down the road.
How does it feel?
How does your body respond?
Excitement, a little nervousness, and relief are very positive emotions! Beware of feelings of dullness or indifference.
Am I feeling fear or intuition?
Our fear often tells us what we need to do next. That’s because when something really matters to us it scares us. Hey—we don’t want to fail or screw up on this very important thing! Get real about the fear you might be feeling.
Think: Could my reluctance here be intuitive—guiding me toward the right path?
Is this decision in line with my long-term goals?
Ask yourself: What do I want five, even 10 years from now? Then consider how this decision plays into that longer-term plan.
For example, if you’ve been single for a while and hope to be married with kids in a few years, getting out there and creating an online dating profile is probably smart!
Do what your future self will thank you for.
What are my precise options?
Let’s go deeper.
What specific options are there?
Are there only two?
Are there more?
Are there other options you might not have considered?
Write them down—the possibilities might surprise you!
What are the real risks?
When you get clear on your options and have outlined the one you most want to pursue, ask: What is the real risk of doing this?
List every single thing that is stopping you and the absolute worst outcomes of making the decision.
Now be honest: How risky is it, really? Hint: It’s probably not that, bad!
What is the risk of not doing it?
This is one of my favorite questions!
If something is stirring within you—a creative idea, a calling to move somewhere new, a desire to end a relationship—what are you giving up when you don’t do it?
Because inaction is action, the truth here can be very sobering. What might you be missing out on in your life if you do nothing?
Is now the right time?
Bear in mind: Not all decisions need to be made immediately.
Not making a decision immediately doesn’t necessarily make you indecisive, but there are few real reasons we ever need to delay making a big one when it presents itself.
Remember, life is always uncertain and time waits for no one.
What does my past experience tell me about this?
If you are still indecisive, let your past experiences guide you.
When have you had to make big decisions before?
Did you survive?
Are you happy you made them?
How can past choices inform you in making this choice?
Will I have fun?
Change is scary, yes. But growth never happens without change. There are no exceptions. Can you see or anticipate the fun in making this decision?
“Change is scary, yes. But growth never happens without change.”
A client of mine went through an emotional breakup last year but soon enough snagged herself a great studio apartment in a neighborhood she loves and took her first solo vacation.
She’s about to take her second trip alone, and it’s all she talks about.
But this could only happen after her big decision to move on as a single woman. Even in tough times you can focus on the positive—it’s always there!
Making a big decision doesn’t have to be so daunting.
There are no right or wrong answers or right or wrong ways to live your life.
A lot of decisions are not even necessarily permanent. Think about the decision in the grander scheme of your life to put it in perspective. You don’t have to ask other people what they think. Your inner wisdom has the answers. And you’re far more in control of your life than you think.
So claim your power and get busy asking the only person who knows best: you.
I’d love to hear what you do when you’re feeling indecisive in the comments box below!
