When Overthinking Feels Safer Than Moving Forward

Circling in Indecision? Let's talk about when overthinking feels safer than moving forward. From picking pillows to choosing careers, indecision can trap us in endless circles. Dana shares a playful ice cream counter metaphor and a simple question that cuts through the noise. What she wishes she had known earlier: small choices are enough to keep life moving. Easy and quick steps to take to break through the indecision.

Transcript

Have you ever been stuck circling a decision?

Like being at the ice cream counter with too many flavors?

You freeze instead of choosing.

Hi,

I'm Dana Mitchell and around here I like to keep things simple.

No big lectures,

Just I'm giving you everyday ways to feel a little less stuck.

Indecision is exhausting.

I've done it with little things like standing in Target debating on a pillow color or with big things like what am I going to do in this next phase of my career?

And here's the truth,

It's not laziness.

Indecision is not being lazy.

It's your brain's way of keeping you safe.

If I don't decide,

I can't go wrong.

If I delay,

I stay safe.

But safety can feel like being trapped running around in circles.

So here's a little trick I like to play.

I say to myself,

I know you don't know,

But if you did,

What would you choose in the next 24 hours?

It's like that ice cream shop.

If somebody said,

Pick now,

Hurry up,

What do you want?

You'd blurt out a flavor.

That you know you already love.

And that is your gut coming through and cutting through the noise.

Listen to that instinct.

You have a very good gut instinct,

So now's the time to pay attention.

So think about this.

Think of one decision that you've been circling.

And if you had to choose in the next day,

What answer would bubble up to the top?

Now remember,

The answer doesn't have to be forever.

It's just that next step.

It's giving you momentum.

It's one choice of a color for a pillow,

One email,

Or one little place to start.

So next time you find yourself circling,

Try asking yourself that question.

I know you don't know,

But if you did,

What would you choose?

And then let the answers roll in.

And let your gut instinct be what you listen to.

Thanks for joining me,

And I will be back again with some other small,

Little micro steps and tips to help make life easier.

Thanks so much,

Have a great day.

Reviews

Boy do I suffer regularly from decision paralysis — an ADHD trait I’m told. I’ll try your method and get back to you. Thanks for the tip. I’m following you, now.