“You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen.” ~ Michelle Obama

Feeling indecisive? What’s holding you back?  Don’t beat yourself up, we all have times when we find it hard to make a decision.

Sometimes we get stuck in analysis paralysis and feel like we can’t make a decision until we have every fact , while other times we make decisions on-the-spot or after receiving just a few key pieces of information.

If you’re struggling to make a decision, more often than not, there is a fear based reason holding you back. Ask yourself what you fear about the decision your comtemplating.

• Are you afraid to make the wrong decisions? What are the consequences?
• Are you afraid to “own” your decision?
• Is there conflict surrounding the decision, so you’re hoping someone else will make it for you?

Once you know the fear you can deal with it head on.  A few signs/symptoms to be aware of:

• 
  When you’re stuck between two difficult choices it may just be that you don’t want to deal with the backlash – it is your responsibility to do just that if you want to move forward! Make the decision and deal with the consequences.
• If you believe you need more time to gather more information – make sure that is really the case and you’re not just using it as a delay tactic because you’re afraid to own the decision.

Below are five ways to conquer your indecisiveness. To keep your life/career moving forward, be seen as a leader and have less stress around decision making remember these tips:

1. Practice on the small things, what route to take, where to go to dinner, etc. The more you practice making decisions the better you’ll feel about it!
2. Figure out the fear, face it and forget about it.
3. Forget about always appearing smart or being right.
4. Learn to trust yourself and/or trust your gut. Sometimes you don’t need ALL the data-you instinctively know what to do.
5. Ask yourself how your decision will affect things 10 days, 10 months, 10 years from now. You might find out it doesn’t matter as much as you think it does right now, in the moment.

Remember that most decisions can be reversed, changed or “tweaked” if needed. Making a decision and moving forward is better than staying stuck by not doing anything.