Updated on February 10, 2025

We all hesitate when making decisions sometimes. Maybe you’re weighing two job offers, debating a move, or deciding whether to leave a relationship. Small choices—like picking a restaurant or committing to a new hobby—can feel overwhelming.

Occasional hesitation is usual, but when indecision becomes a habit, it can take a toll. You may feel stuck, mentally drained, or even regretful about the choices you never made.

Avoiding a decision might seem like the safest option, but it doesn’t bring peace of mind. Instead, your brain runs in the background, analyzing every possible outcome. This mental overload—sometimes called decision fatigue—makes even simple choices exhausting. It’s like having too many browser tabs open; eventually, everything slows down, and you struggle to focus.

Why Do We Avoid Making Decisions?

If you struggle with indecision, you’re not alone. The reasons are complex but often fall into a few key categories.

Fear of Failure

No one wants to make the “wrong” choice. Perfectionists struggle with this, feeling like anything less than the ideal outcome is unacceptable. This pressure can paralyze, leading to a fear of committing to anything.

Too Many Choices

More options don’t always make decisions easier. Studies show the opposite. Behavioral economist Barry Schwartz coined the term “paradox of choice” to describe how having too many options often leads to analysis paralysis and lower satisfaction with whatever choice is eventually made.

Worrying About What Others Think

We don’t make decisions in a vacuum. Whether we realize it or not, we often hesitate because we’re concerned about how others—family, friends, coworkers—might judge our choices.

Avoiding Discomfort

Making a choice, especially a big one, can bring stress and uncertainty. To dodge those feelings, we procrastinate, hoping that clarity will come on its own. But in reality, avoiding decisions only adds more stress and can make choices feel even more overwhelming over time.

The Hidden Costs of Indecision

While avoiding choices may feel like a form of self-protection, it often causes more harm than we realize.

1. Increased Stress and Anxiety

Leaving decisions unresolved keeps your brain stuck in problem-solving mode. This constant background processing leads to mental exhaustion and stress. Research in cognitive psychology shows that unmade decisions drain our cognitive resources, leaving us with less mental energy for other tasks.

2. Missed Opportunities

Opportunities rarely wait for us to feel “ready.” Whether it’s a career move, a relationship decision, or a personal goal, delaying choices can mean missing out on something that could have been life-changing.

3. Loss of Self-Trust

Each time you avoid making a choice, you reinforce self-doubt. Over time, this can make even small decisions feel overwhelming. Trusting yourself to make big or small choices is key to building confidence and a sense of control over your life.

How to Overcome Indecision

These research-backed strategies can help you move forward if you struggle to make decisions.

1. Set a Decision Deadline

Open-ended decisions drag on indefinitely. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” answer, give yourself a firm deadline. For example, if you’re choosing between two job offers, set a date to decide rather than endlessly debating.

2. Narrow Your Options

Too many choices can be paralyzing. Instead of searching for the “perfect” answer, narrow your options to two or three that align best with your values and goals. A good enough decision is better than no decision at all.

3. Trust Your Intuition

Your gut feeling can be a powerful guide. If one option feels right, ask yourself:

Does this choice align with what truly matters to me?
When I imagine choosing this option, do I feel relief or discomfort?

Studies suggest that intuition is often more accurate than we realize, especially in areas where we have experience.

4. Practice Making Small Decisions Quickly

If big choices feel overwhelming, start with low-stakes decisions. Instead of overanalyzing what book to read next, just pick one. Instead of debating where to eat, make a quick choice. Making small decisions helps build confidence for bigger ones.

5. Use a Decision Matrix

For complex decisions, a simple matrix can help clarify what matters most.

Criteria	Importance (1-5)	Option A	Option B	Stay Put
Salary	5	4	5	3
Work-Life Balance	4	3	5	4
Career Growth	3	5	3	2
Commute	2	2	4	5
Team Environment	3	4	5	3
Total Score		43	53	42

How to Use It:

List the factors that matter most to you (salary, flexibility, career growth, etc.).
Rank each factor by importance (1 = not important, 5 = very important).
Score each option (1 = poor fit, 5 = excellent fit).
Multiply the importance by the score, total each option, and compare.

This method removes some emotional weight and helps you make a more objective decision.

6. Reframe Your Thinking

Instead of worrying about making the “wrong” decision, remember that no choice is permanent. Behavioral psychology research suggests that viewing decisions as experiments rather than commitments reduces anxiety and makes it easier to take action.

The Benefits of Taking Action

Becoming more decisive doesn’t just reduce stress—it can also improve your overall well-being:

Less Overthinking – No more mental loops of self-doubt.
More Confidence – Each decision strengthens your ability to trust yourself.
Greater Opportunities – Taking action opens doors to new experiences and personal growth.

You don’t need to make perfect decisions—just make decisions. Every choice moves you forward, and momentum makes future decisions more straightforward.

Need Help Moving Forward?

If indecision is causing stress or holding you back, therapy can help. A therapist can guide you in understanding what’s keeping you stuck, building confidence in your choices, and developing practical decision-making strategies.

The Cost of Indecision: How Avoiding Choices Creates Stress