Indecisiveness Is Controlling My Life: 5 Practical Exercises to Help You Become a Better Decision-Maker

For some people, indecisiveness doesn’t seem like such a big problem. So what, they say, you just take a bit more time to decide. But if you struggle with indecisiveness, I know those words don’t help. They usually make things worse. Today, I’m here to make you feel better. 

First, I want you to know that I understand. I understand that choosing the “right” yogurt can feel like taking a math exam. I understand that deciding what to cook for guests can turn into real stress. And when it comes to bigger, life-changing decisions, I know it often feels unbearable.

Those are the moments when indecisiveness brings anxiety, sadness, anger, and desperation all at once - leaving you stuck, frozen, and doubting your ability to make the “right” choice. I also understand something else: even after you do make a decision, you punish yourself with regret, second-guessing, and guilt.

That’s why I’ve prepared a few practical tools for you. I won’t promise that these exercises will magically “cure” indecisiveness, but I truly believe they can bring you much closer to decision-making freedom. 

Exercise 1: Answer a Few Honest Questions About Your Indecisiveness

To understand your indecisiveness, you need to look at it closely. The answers are for your eyes only, so please be honest, even if they feel uncomfortable, strange, or embarrassing.

Ask yourself: 

• Why do I want to start making decisions more easily?
• What exactly do I struggle with when it comes to indecisiveness? 
• Why do I think I have a hard time making decisions? 

You might recognize yourself in some of these reasons: 

• Fear of making mistakes
• Doubting your intelligence or judgment
• Avoiding responsibility for your choices
• Fear of disappointing people you love
• Something else entirely 

Now take a moment to analyze your answers. What do they tell you? Why do you think this struggle exists in your life? What would you like to change in yourself to become more decisive? Do you really want to change? And are you willing to do the work?  

Exercise 2: Shopping With a Time Limit

People who struggle with indecisiveness often spend endless time comparing prices, brands, and reviews, afraid that every choice might be a mistake.

Today, we do it differently. 

Go to a store and set a timer for five minutes.
Choose three products you actually need.
Check prices, compare quickly, and without overthinking. Then put them in your cart, go to the cashier, and leave.

That’s it. 

When you get home, stop thinking about whether you made the “right” choice. Put the products away and move on with your day. 

Exercise 3: Flip a Coin

Many people who struggle with decision-making admit that this technique surprisingly works.

It’s very simple, but there are two important rules:

1. Use it only for small, unimportant decisions.

This is not for choosing whether to quit your job or marry your partner.
It is great for choosing an outfit, a restaurant, or a gift.

2. You don’t have to obey the coin.
The coin’s real job is to reveal your feelings. Once it lands, you’ll feel either relief or disappointment and that emotion will tell you what you actually want. Forget the coin and follow that feeling. 

Exercise 4: Overcome Perfectionism - Choose “Good Enough”

For many people, indecisiveness is rooted in perfectionism. This exercise will help you see whether that’s true for you and take the first step toward letting go of both perfectionism and indecision.

Think of a dilemma, such as: 

• Starting a book you’ve been dreaming of writing, even if the timing isn’t perfect  
• Buying something without reading every review or comparing options for days 
• Making a decision without asking everyone you know for advice 

Now comes the hard part: Consciously choose a solution that is good but not perfect. 

Remind yourself: this is just a choice. And promise yourself that even if it turns out to be a mistake, you will live in peace with it. 

Exercise 5: Solve a Dilemma Using a Pros and Cons List

This exercise balances courage with responsibility. Some decisions do require thinking. Not endless overthinking, not obsessive analysis, and not collecting dozens of opinions. But a mature analysis with some research and facts. 

Take a digital notepad or a piece of paper and state your dilemma. Write down the pros and cons of each option. Make your decision based on facts and arguments.  

Why I Care About Indecisiveness

I initially dedicated myself to this topic because I wanted to help my sister make decisions more easily. But the more I researched indecisiveness, the more fascinating it became to me.

That’s how my first book was born: The Indecisive Person’s Handbook: A Workbook for Overthinkers.

In it, I’ve gathered practical, research-based tools and created a four-week challenge designed to help indecisive people overcome their inner blocks and become more confident decision-makers.

The book includes 20 different exercises, similar to the ones above. Each exercise is built around one of four core principles I believe are essential for overcoming indecisiveness - time limits; pros and cons; limiting choices and self-compassion.  

Because I genuinely believe that every one of us can change what holds us back from becoming the person we want to be. And if I can help even one person take a step in that direction, it would mean the world to me. 

You can find the book in ebook and paperback format here: https://a.co/d/0We8vlx  

If, at any point in your journey of overcoming indecisiveness or anything else, you feel that you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.