- Feeling stuck in indecision is common when you don’t have a clear direction.
- Waiting for certainty often keeps you from making progress.
- Small experiments and value-driven decisions help you move forward.
Why Decision Paralysis Happens
There’s a common belief that you should know what you want before making a decision. But what if you don’t? Many people get stuck waiting for a lightbulb moment that never comes. The fear of making the wrong choice can keep you from making any choice at all.
Some reasons decision paralysis happens:
Some reasons decision paralysis happens:
- Fear of regret – Worrying about making the “wrong” choice and dealing with the consequences.
- Too many options – When there are too many paths, it’s hard to commit to one.
- Pressure to get it right – Society, family, or even self-imposed expectations can make it feel like you need to figure things out perfectly.
- Waiting for clarity – Thinking you need a fully formed plan before taking action.
The Myth of Deciding and Then Doing
A common misconception is that people who make big decisions have total clarity beforehand. In reality, most figured it out along the way.
Think about skills you’ve developed—your job, relationships, or even hobbies. You probably didn’t know everything at the start. Instead, you tried things, adjusted, and learned what worked. Decision-making works the same way.
The key mindset shift: Action creates clarity. Instead of waiting until you’re sure, try small steps that help you test different paths.
Think about skills you’ve developed—your job, relationships, or even hobbies. You probably didn’t know everything at the start. Instead, you tried things, adjusted, and learned what worked. Decision-making works the same way.
The key mindset shift: Action creates clarity. Instead of waiting until you’re sure, try small steps that help you test different paths.
How to Experiment Your Way Forward
If you’re stuck between choices, try low-risk experiments instead of overthinking:
- Considering a career change? Take an online course, do an informational interview, or shadow someone in the field.
- Thinking about moving to a new city? Visit for a week and live like a local before committing.
- Not sure if you want to stay in a relationship? Have honest conversations, explore therapy, and pay attention to how you feel when you’re together.
The Role of Values in Decision-Making
If you don’t know what you want, focus on what matters to you. Even when the path is unclear, you can align choices with your values.
Ask yourself:
Ask yourself:
- What kind of person do I want to be?
- What experiences do I want more (or less) of?
- What has made me feel most alive in the past?
You Don’t Have to Be Certain to Move Forward
The key to making decisions when you don’t know what you want is trusting that you’ll learn as you go. Instead of waiting for clarity, try small experiments, align with your values, and take action—because the path forward is often something you create, not something you find.
f you feel stuck and overwhelmed by big life choices, therapy can help you untangle what’s holding you back, clarify what matters to you, and develop a plan for moving forward. I work with adults in their 20s and 30s who feel stuck in their careers, relationships, or personal growth.
If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out here to learn more.
f you feel stuck and overwhelmed by big life choices, therapy can help you untangle what’s holding you back, clarify what matters to you, and develop a plan for moving forward. I work with adults in their 20s and 30s who feel stuck in their careers, relationships, or personal growth.
If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out here to learn more.