Analysis Paralysis??? SIX ways to get that decision MADE

Should I or shouldn’t I?  Would I or wouldn’t I?  Could I or…What if I do and I make a bad choice?

Your brain is spinning.  Your neck aches from tension.  Nothing is getting done except small tasks, and most could have waited.  When you think about the decision you need to make, you feel completely overwhelmed and inadequate.  How do you get off this Not So Merry Go Round and move forward???  How do you keep from making a huge mistake?

1. Clear your head.  Get out of your current environment.  Go for a walk outside.  Don’t take a phone or headphones.  Empty your mind for a while and notice the sounds of birds chirping, a stream flowing, or children laughing.  Pray.  Ask for guidance.   Can’t get outside?  Take a long shower or bath.
2.  Get refocused.  Take a deep breath then take another one.  Everyone makes decisions and everyone makes big ones and small ones every day.  Stretch your arms out and up and bend forward and side to side a few times.  Let your mind empty for a few minutes, then grab a few sheets of paper and a good pen.
3. Write down what decision needs to be made.  There is something about writing down a problem or task that will bring clarity and focus to your mind.  Don’t allow any distractions (that dryer buzzer can wait-there is always the un-wrinkle cycle and don’t tell me you don’t know where it is!).
4. Write down potential answers.  
5. Do a thought dump.  Put one of your potential answers at the top of a page then draw a line down the center of the paper.  Write ‘Worst Outcome’ on top of the left side and ‘Best Outcome’ on top of the right side.  Focus first on Worst Outcome.  What is the worst thing that could happen should you choose this answer?  Then focus on Best Outcome.  What is the best thing that could happen if you choose this answer?  Don’t think, just write as fast as you can no matter how crazy it sounds.  Repeat this process using a separate piece of paper for each potential answer.

Look back over your answers, as well as Best Outcome and Worst Outcome.  Your choice will become clear.

No decision yet?

6. Phone a friend.  Find that one trusted friend who has made good decisions in the past, and who will tell you straight up truth.  Don’t know of anyone?  Find a therapist or minister.

And remember,  It is better to take that first (well thought out) step and have to change directions than to make no decision and remain paralyzed.  A moving car can be steered: a parked one cannot.

You got this.