I get approached a lot by people who tell me that they can’t make decisions.  Sometimes they’ll mention getting stuck in analysis paralysis.  Now I’m all for a catchy name like, “analysis paralysis,” but I’ve got to tell you, this phrase gets me concerned that we’re looking at a confidence issue.

Confidence issues come in many disguises and lack of decision making ability is a big one. I’ve got a simple thing to help you start making progress on becoming a good decision maker, because guess what? You are already an experienced discussion maker, whether you’re giving yourself credit for it or not.

Here’s what you’re going to do, make a list of every decision, yes every single decision you’ve made in the last seven days.  I’m talking about each and every time you decided anything, what to wear, what to eat, whether or not to show up to work, how to get to work, whether or not to go straight home after work…

And I’m serious, I want you to write these things down because I think it will quickly become clear to you that life is a decision making process.   We are constantly bombarded with decisions, we make them all day long, often without even really thinking about them.

So you are clearly a skilled decision maker, you have your list that proves this, don’t you?   Allow this list to let you begin to create new beliefs for yourself about your skills and abilities with making decisions.   I think you’ll find that your belief in yourself and your ability to make good decisions will support you in feeling more confident and in confidently making more and more decisions.   They go hand-in-hand and you are already on your way.

John Ryan


Host of Key Conversations for Leaders Podcast, Executive Coach, Consultant, and Trainer

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