When you’re at a point of making a decision, there’s usually a “good” direction and “bad” direction. But we usually pick the third option … doing nothing.

Now that doesn’t mean we need to rush things too much, which can result in a bad choice. But in our current environment, we’re overloaded with data and tradeoffs and options, which can put your lizard brain into freezing up.

That itself is a choice, even though it doesn’t feel like it.

The way out of this bind is thoughtful reflection about why you’re stuck.

  • Is the impact of the decision causing you to stay in fear of making a mistake?
  • Are you feeling lonely and need some support?
  • Do you really have insufficient data and need more?
  • Is the deadline so far away that it’s quite OK to not make the decision right now?

Sometimes the right choice is to not make the decision right now, but instead wait for the timing to be right. But usually that’s not the case; Making your move can help you to start building forward momentum. Even if it’s not perfect, you’re still moving.

Sometimes the right answer is to declare, “Nope, not gonna do it!” This also helps you move forward, because you’re taking the mental stress away and making room for the next challenge. So don’t be afraid to say No.

Notice how the desired outcome is to just start moving forward? Learn from your mistakes, and you’ll eventually home in on the right answer.