Indecisiveness

“Fear stifles our thinking and actions. It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation. I have known talented people who procrastinate indefinitely rather than risk failure. Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward spiral begins.” (Charles Stanley) 

When I read the above quote, I knew it was meant for me.

I often feel like I am suffocating from worry. I get caught in a loop of anxiety and despair. The more I struggle, the tighter this noose gets around my neck—until it strangles all thought and action.

I am paralyzed by my habit of over analysis. I like to dig—to search deeply. Unfortunately, I have trouble doing anything in moderation. I end up digging a big trench around me and then I’m stuck in it.

I pride myself on making smart choices. This has become part of my identity. Every time I make a stupid decision—and yes, I have made a few—I beat myself up over it. I tend to remain stagnant for fear of making a dumb move. Opportunities pass me by…

I live next to a 4-lane highway with a center median. In order to go into the closest town, I have to make a left turn onto the highway. I usually wait for all the traffic to be clear, just to be safe. Some days, I end up muttering to myself: “Darn! I could’ve gone after that car…I could’ve made it if I hadn’t hesitated so much.” Over the years I have lost my confidence in my driving abilities.

Indecisiveness often masquerades as prudence. Extreme caution atrophies courage, until one is debilitated by uncertainty. Making even small moves, gently exercising our decisive muscles regularly, can get us out of this downward spiral. Our confidence builds up with every opportunity that we capitalize on, with every positive decision. It’s true that one bad decision will knock you back down to your knees…but we learn what we can from it, and get up and move again.