Is it Challenging for You to Make Decisions?

At times, it can be challenging to make decisions. Whether it involves day-to-day tasks at home, work related problems, or personal issues. And, it doesn’t matter what they are or how difficult, we all end up making decisions in one way or another. Making tough decisions can also be extremely challenging for many, but it’s something that often needs to be done. One thing is for sure, when it comes to the process of making decisions, most people will end up dealing with and handling them in different manners.

For some people, flipping the switch on a decision no matter how difficult is really not an issue. However, others may notice a little difficulty and will generally put off making any kind of decision for as long as possible. This scenario is usually done with the hope that the decision will end up going away or somehow resolve itself. The latter part of these is basically known as “decision procrastination” and it’s simply a bad habit which enables you to give in under any type of pressure.

Do You Feel Like a Decision Procrastinator?

It can be incredibly difficult to identify this trait in yourself, as it is with any flaw. In order to determine if you’re a decision procrastinator, you have to first examine your motives. In some cases, procrastinating on a decision can be helpful, granting you a little extra time to see how things pan out. However, your motivation for procrastination will give you away every time as either constructively or de-constructively procrastinating.

If you’re delaying making decisions for any of the following reasons, you’re guilty of de-constructively procrastinating:

• because you’re anxious or uneasy about the outcome
• because you don’t want to be responsible if it goes wrong
• because you don’t know what to do

It’s important to note that these motivations for decision making have to be recurring or severe to be a problem; we all will inevitably put off a decision or two for one of these reasons.

What Are You Going to do?

Once you’ve identified the problem, you can address it. Here are some practices that can help you break the habit of regularly de-constructively procrastinating when making decisions.

Take the Decision and Break it Down

Sometimes, the reason we procrastinate on a decision is because the decision is simply too big for us to take on. Break down the decision into smaller, more digestible micro-decisions. This will help take some of the pressure off, while still working towards making the decision.

Try Solving the Easiest Part of the Problem First

Taking a small amount of time away from your decision and making an easier one can help you to come to a decision. For example, you could advise a friend on a problem, make an easy decision between simple options like a pen over a pencil, or solve a puzzle.

This will give you the satisfaction of completing something and the confidence that comes with that. Once you’re feeling at the top of your game, you’re ready to take on your larger decision.

Think of the Worst Thing that can Happen

Many people procrastinate on their decisions because they fear the worst and don’t want to fail. Take a minute to logically think out the worst-case scenario for each side of the decision. This will help you to be more comfortable with the potential outcomes. Done correctly, this exercise will also help you to see that the worst outcomes aren’t that bad.

If All Else Fails, Go with Your Gut

Sometimes, no matter how much research and deliberating you do, you still can’t reach a decision. In these cases, it’s best to weigh the options and go with your gut. After all, a decision has to be made; it won’t just go away.

If you’re the one responsible for making the decision, there’s nothing more you can be expected to do in this situation; it’s time to take a risk and trust your gut.

Decisions are rarely easy, but we all have to make them. A problem which many individuals will face is decision procrastination, causing them to put off decisions for a variety of reasons, hoping they’ll just simply disappear or make themselves.

Unfortunately, that’s impossible and the bad habit of decision procrastination can get worse, reaching detrimental lengths. Hopefully, these practices help you to decrease your decision procrastination and make you better at pulling the trigger.

===> Check-out our Decision Procrastinator infographic