How to Decide When You Cannot Decide: 6 Simple Methods
Everyone gets stuck now and then, from what to eat to which job offer to accept. Here are six ways to get moving again, starting with the lightest.
1. Limit the options to three
Too many choices makes everything feel equal. Cross off anything you would not truly be happy with until three remain.
2. Set a timer
Give yourself five minutes for small decisions. Most of the time, the difference between options is tiny, and the time spent worrying costs more than a slightly worse choice.
3. Let a wheel pick for low-stakes choices
For lunch, a film or which chore to do first, a spinner is perfect. You get an answer in seconds and nobody argues, because nobody chose it.
4. Use the coin test for bigger ones
Assign each option a side of a coin, or use the yes, no, maybe decider, and look at your reaction before the result appears. If you feel a flicker of disappointment when it lands, you have just learned what you actually wanted. Then you can ignore the coin.
5. Ask what you would regret
People rarely regret trying something sensible. They more often regret not trying. Ask which option you would be sorrier to have skipped in a year.
6. Decide how to decide
Some choices need research, such as money, health or legal matters. Do not leave those to a wheel. Use a random pick only when the options are close in value and you are simply stuck.
A quick guide
- Trivial choice, many options: spin a wheel.
- Two options, close call: flip a coin or use the 1 or 2 wheel.
- Important choice: gather facts first, then decide yourself.
- Group choice: draw randomly so nobody feels overruled.