Indecision. It can be a big problem.
If you cannot decide, or you have a very hard time deciding about something, it can be hard to move forward. Whether it be a business project, personal product, even what clothes you will wear, not being able to make a decision leads to delays and on some projects can cost you a lot of money. If you are trying to decide on how much to bid on a job, you may lose out altogether if your competition gets their bid in way ahead of you, even if they are more expensive.
My very favorite singer is Jimmy Buffett. Jimmy Buffett has a song called “Don Chu Know” (Pronounced like “Don’t you know”) in which he says:
Indecision may or may not be my problem!
Jimmy Buffett
Exactly! Ha ha.. it’s a funny way of saying it, but he wrapped up the whole concept in just a few words there, don’t you think?
So, is indecision your problem? Please don’t reply “Maybe, or maybe not.” ha ha…
I have never had a problem with indecision. I am quite the opposite. I generally decide on things too hastily in many cases. I probably should be a little less decisive myself, and take a bit more time to consider before making a decision. But, all in all, I would prefer to be too decisive than to be too indecisive.
Indecisive people bother me. They get under my skin and make me nervous! If I am sitting there waiting for somebody to make a decision, it just literally drives me crazy. I guess that patience is also something that I need more of, I can’t argue with that.
Bob, I didn’t realize you were a Parrothead, too. He has also written 3 or 4 really good novels.
I have found over the years that if I give myself a time limit, or deadline, a decision will pop out of my head at the last minute. The decision may prove to be inappropriate but its there at the appropriate time. My reason for this is that I enjoy hashing out all of the possibilities. I call it contingency planning. Tina calls it worrying. Luckily, I drive a truck long distance so I have plenty of time by myself to entertain all the scenarios without driving the family crazy(er).
Hi Mike – I have been a parrothead since way back in the mid-70′s. I have every Buffett album, and have read all of his books too. I even have a pair of Margaritaville flip-flops! Ha ha..
I am somewhat the opposite of you in that when I have a decision pending, I tend to make it quickly. I feel that most of the time I make the right decision, but not always, of course!
I think the problem with indecision is one of brain wiring. I suffer from said condition. Folks like me tend to see many different options, opportunities and consequences for each choice. My brain does not naturally say, “Hey, this is the best possible course of action, so go for it!”
Perhaps some degree of himming and hawing is warranted on important decisions that have the potential to affect your life and don’t require immediate action.
Fortunately, I can make decisions quickly when it comes to small things like food choices, “Mahal, oatmeal or waffles today?”…..”Oatmeal, dear”
Steve
Hi Steve – I never had a problem with indecision, thankfully. I can usually decide things quickly and efficiently. Like you say, if it is a major decision that is being made, there is more consideration that goes into it, as there should be. One of my kids, though, is plagued by indecision. Even for minor decision, she can take forever to decide, or may not be able to decide at all. Sometimes I have to push her along a bit!