Do you find yourself spending too much time thinking about doing something and not enough actually getting things done?
Overthinking is pretty much second nature to introverts, especially when making decisions. Sometimes, this can be a good thing. It can help us avoid making mistakes but on the other hand, overthinking can waste valuable time and if indecision persists, it can lower your confidence.
The most successful people make decisions quickly and stick with them. The less successful take too long to decide and quickly change their mind afterwards.
You might think that you’re being responsible and cautious by taking your time to decide, but you may well be blocking progress. Introvert alert: ruminating doesn’t result in better outcomes!
Simple tips to help make up your mind and take action:
- List the advantages and disadvantages. Write them down. There’s something magical about taking pen to paper when making decisions. When we see our thoughts laid out in front of us, it is possible to have a clearer view of the right direction to take.
- Be aware of your moral compass. Decisions are more quickly and easily made when you are aware of your personal values. When you consider a choice, test it against your three core values. In the words of Peter Drucker, “Do not knowingly do harm.” Raising awareness of your moral compass will help you make better, more ethical decisions.
- Remember that you can always change your mind. Few decisions mean you have to stick with them forever. Just knowing that you can change your mind later can give you the comfort needed to decide.
- Avoid paralysis by analysis. Overthinking doesn’t lead to better results. It largely leads to inactivity and confusion. The military have a rule that you only need to be 70% certain to act. You might not be in the military, but the same general concept can be applied. It’s interesting to know that the window of opportunity often closes before the last 30% of the information can be gathered.
- Think both short-term and long-term. In an ideal world, you will find a solution that satisfies both criteria. Ask yourself if you’ll be happy with your decision in 5 hours and in 5 years. Any decision that meets both requirements has the potential to be a good one.
- Use your experience to your advantage. We’ve all made poor decisions over the years and it would be a shame not to learn from them. Think about whether you’ve been in a similar situation in the past because you will most likely have some great insight.
- Use a timer to narrow your focus and get things done. Most decisions don’t require weeks, or even days, to make. A couple of hours, even for introverts, is more than sufficient most the time. Use a timer and put some focus on the issue. When you hear the alarm, it’s time to decide. Using a timer is a great way to narrow your focus and get things done.
- A good decision now beats a great decision later. What are you waiting for? What is holding you back? Success is more about making good decisions and taking action than it is about making great decisions. Avoid overvaluing perfection and undervaluing activity.
In summary:
- You’ll limit your results if you spend too much time making decisions and too little time actioning them.
- Be aware of your moral compass and consider using a timer.
- You won’t make better decisions by overthinking, it just wastes precious time.
- Make a decision and use the time you have available to take action. You’ll be far more productive and successful.
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