We all get a bit indecisive at times, but if you’re constantly second-guessing yourself or struggling to make even the simplest choices, it might be a sign that you’re a bit more indecisive than the average person.
It’s not a character flaw; it’s just a part of who you are. Here are some signs that you might be struggling with indecision and might need to find a way to become a bit more resolute.
1. You spend hours browsing menus but still can’t decide what to order.
You’re at a restaurant, the menu is in your hands, and you’re overwhelmed by the choices. You spend an eternity weighing the pros and cons of each dish, only to end up ordering the same thing you always get or letting someone else choose for you. It’s a classic sign of indecision, and we’ve all been there!
2. You change your outfit multiple times before leaving the house.
You’ve got a closet full of clothes, but nothing seems to feel quite right. You try on outfit after outfit, agonising over every detail. By the time you finally settle on something, you’re running late and slightly frazzled. Sound familiar?
3. You need a ton of reassurance from other people before making a decision.
Whether it’s choosing a new phone or deciding where to go on holiday, you always need to talk to friends, family, or even strangers online before making a choice. You crave validation and fear making the wrong decision. While it’s great to get input from other people, relying on them too much can be a sign of indecisiveness.
4. You second-guess yourself even after you’ve made a decision.
You finally make a choice, but then you start to doubt yourself. You wonder if you made the right decision, if there was a better option, or if you should have waited longer. This second-guessing can lead to anxiety and regret, and can make it hard to enjoy the outcome of your decision.
5. You’re afraid of making mistakes or disappointing people.
The fear of making a wrong choice or letting someone down can be a major driver of indecision. You might avoid taking risks or making decisions that could have negative consequences, even if they also have the potential for great rewards. It’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay to learn from them.
6. You overanalyse every little detail and get stuck in analysis paralysis.
Source: Unsplash You’re a master of research and information gathering. You can spend hours weighing the pros and cons of every option, but sometimes all that analysis leads to paralysis. You get so caught up in the details that you’re unable to make a decision at all. It’s like trying to choose the perfect ice cream flavour in a shop with a hundred options – it can be overwhelming.
7. You have trouble letting go of things, even if they’re no longer serving you.
This could be anything from clothes you never wear to relationships that no longer bring you joy. You might hold on to things out of a sense of nostalgia, fear of change, or simply because you can’t decide what to do with them. Learning to let go can be liberating and can help you create space for new opportunities and experiences.
8. You’re always looking for the “perfect” option, even if it doesn’t exist.
Source: Unsplash You have a vision of the ideal outcome, and you’re determined to find it, even if it means endless searching and comparison. This pursuit of perfection can be exhausting and often leads to disappointment, as the perfect option rarely exists. It’s important to be realistic and accept that sometimes “good enough” is good enough.
9. You often procrastinate or delay making decisions.
Source: Unsplash When faced with a decision, do you find yourself putting it off until the last possible moment? Procrastination can be a way of avoiding the anxiety and stress that comes with making a choice. However, it can also lead to missed opportunities, added stress, and a sense of being out of control.
10. You change your mind frequently, even about small things.
Source: Unsplash One minute you want pizza, the next you’re craving sushi. You pick a film to watch, but then you switch to a different one halfway through. This constant change of heart can be frustrating for both you and those around you. It’s a sign that you’re struggling to commit to a decision and stick with it.
11. You’re easily swayed by what everyone else thinks.
Source: Unsplash You might have a hard time standing firm in your own convictions and can be easily influenced by what other people think or say. This can make it tough to make decisions that are truly aligned with your own values and desires. It’s important to develop a stronger sense of self and learn to trust your own judgment.
12. You have a hard time saying no, even when you’re overwhelmed.
Source: Unsplash Do you find yourself saying yes to every request, even when you’re already stretched thin? This people-pleasing tendency can be a sign of indecision, as you might be afraid of disappointing people or causing upset. It’s important to learn to set boundaries and prioritise your own needs.
13. You feel overwhelmed by too many choices.
Source: Unsplash The modern world is full of choices, from what to eat for breakfast to which career path to pursue. For someone who’s indecisive, this abundance of options can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. It’s important to develop strategies for narrowing down your choices and focusing on what truly matters.
14. You often regret your decisions, even if they turn out okay.
Source: Unsplash Even when things work out fine, you might still find yourself second-guessing your choices and wondering if you could have done something differently. This tendency to dwell on the past can prevent you from enjoying the present and moving forward with confidence. It’s important to learn to accept your decisions and focus on the lessons you can learn from them.
