For people avoiding change, the reasons are varied. For one reason or another, making decisions is a huge stumbling block for them. So, they avoid making decisions altogether. Not making decisions falls into three categories:
- Intellectual
- Emotional
- Strategic
From literally not knowing what to do to not wanting to make a decision, all the way to simply not knowing how to make the decision, the roadblock is so great that they just don’t make a move while there are plenty of options in front of them. This can delay an important decision or lessen the available options. Not making a decision can have dire consequences if left unmade too long.
Why people don’t make decisions
People may not know what to do: Some problems are really big. Some decisions require a level of knowledge that some people don’t have. Nothing feels worse than being unable or unwilling to make a decision when you don’t know what the best course of action is.
People may not want to do it: Knowing what to do, and doing it are entirely different things. Being able to emotionally come to terms with a decision and make the right move can be harder for some than others. You may know you should decide to stop smoking and be completely unwilling to emotionally make the decision.
People may not conceive of how to do it: Some people are willing and able to make a decision but lack the know-how to carry it out. Not having a clear path for an outcome can make coming to a decision difficult.
Avoiding a decision can be conscious or unconscious. People often don’t know they are in denial because they busy themselves with life or they use reasoning to justify dragging their feet.
Some reasons indecisive people use to avoid making a decision:
- Hoping an issue will resolve itself
- That the choice will become clear over time
- It could embarrass themselves or someone they love
- Committing to a decision feels limiting and controlling
Avoiding decision making – whether on purpose or subconsciously – won’t make the inevitable any easier. It can actually make things worse. The best thing to do to overcome the aversion to making a decision is to get someone involved that can help you take action. Don’t let fear of making a decision hold you hostage. Get support and take control of the situation.
