Why You’re Not Decisive

Entrepreneurs and military leaders share a common trait: Decisiveness. They understand that delaying a decision is gambling. The bet is that without intervening matters will turn out for the good. And while sometimes deciding not to act makes sense, it is better to affirmatively make that decision rather than letting events overtake you.

From the indecisive times in my life I’ve learned making a decision is not the agonizing part. The pain comes during deliberations when I strive to KNOW what the right answer is. Striving for the unattainable never makes sense. All the more so when I could have decided, acted, failed, and taken another course of action all during the same time spent dwelling on a decision. The first course of action would have gotten me closer to my goal or eliminated an option and simplified my next decision.

Basically, there are three reasons for waffling:

1. Fear of the results. It seems prudent to delay choosing a plan until you can be sure of the results. But, rarely is the outcome of a decision assured. Since you won’t know if your plan is successful until you carry it out you might as well get started. You will make more progress by acting than by seeking assurance of success.


2. Vague goals. Basketball players cannot decide on a play if there is no hoop at which to shoot the ball. If you don’t know where you want to go it is virtually impossible to make a decision.


3. Unclear self-image. If you are convinced you waffle or make bad decisions you will waiver anytime you have to decide what to do. Do you see the chicken and egg nature of this dilemma? Certain of your lack of resolve you are indecisive, which in turn proves you were right to view yourself as being indecisive.

1. Accept uncertainty. You don’t have to be right about every decision to succeed. Making lots of decisions is the best training for making better ones. Seek out every opportunity to be the decider.


2. Gain clarity for you goals. When you find yourself vacillating, disperse the fog. Be absolutely clear about your goals. They should be SMART. One of the strongest arguments for having a life coach is he will help you gain crystal clarity about your objectives.


3. Adjust your self-image. Break the cycle by forcing yourself to make decisions whether or not you feel prepared. Post an affirmation on your bathroom mirror saying, “I am a decisive person who loves making decisions. I am not afraid of making a mistake and starting again.” Read it out loud every morning.

What other issues keep you from being decisive? Please comment below.