Decision paralysis and shiny object syndrome
Decision paralysis and shiny object syndrome, yes, the problem is real.
We’ve all experienced those moments when we can’t decide for toffee. When we’ve no idea what to cook for dinner that night, what to wear or the best colour for an accent wall in the living room, okay, this is me most days, and at the moment re the accent wall. But the good news is, most of the time, our decision problem is not life or business-threatening.
The trouble with decision-making is that it can create a compound effect. Make one not great decision, and another will follow. For example, I recently made several decisions for and in my business, and they were rushed and not customer-focused. At the same time, I tried to kid myself they made sense because of the damn Easter holidays, but they were not, and one rubbish decision led to another.
Thankfully, my business decisions are not life-threatening since I’m not a surgeon, and I did take action, which is a good thing.
You see, when you take no action because of paralysis, you are then allowing things to happen to you. Alternatively, you might grab a shiny object and hope for the best. Neither is good. And while I’d made conscious decisions and didn’t grab for a shiny solution, they weren’t brilliant because, in this case, I hadn’t put my customer first. Although I blame the Easter holidays entirely! 🤣
So, how do you move past decision paralysis? How do you make the right decision?
If you have a business coach or mentor, reach out to them. I say this because I am a coach and am there for my clients for all their challenges and problems. However, if you don’t have a coach or mentor, speak with another trusted entrepreneur or friend in business and use them as a sounding board. And please notice I said friend in business and not your partner, mum, auntie or neighbour!
Often, by talking to someone else about a challenge you’re trying to solve or a decision you’re trying to make, a solution will come like a bolt of lightning out of the blue because you’re not forcing it. You are sharing the load, and the pressure is off. Or, try putting your client first and take yourself out of the equation; making it about those you want to serve can change how you feel about the problem and make it easier to find the right solution for you, your business and most importantly, your client!
Another option is to ask what A. N. Other would do. So, is there someone you admire or aspire to be, and this person doesn’t have to be in your industry – a tip that Mel Robbins shared with me. I should say not personally, as I don’t have a hotline for her. But she did share it in an email, and I’ve since heard a business owner friend say she uses a business colleague/friend as her A. N. Other.
And what about the shiny object syndrome? How do you not succumb?
Repeat all the above under decision paralysis because you are most likely looking for a solution and not trusting yourself. You need a sounding board, someone to help you see the bigger picture and ensure you’re deciding for your business of the future and not of today.
Shiny objects are the same as band-aid solutions – they are quick fixes and often cause more significant problems down the line. Nearly always made for the situation before you and without consideration for your business as a whole or in the future. So I’m not a fan of them in my business or for my clients without a damn good reason.
Finally, the best advice I can give you is…
Meditate, journal, and step away from the business. Do whatever it takes to allow the answers to come. Take the dog for a walk, clean the bathroom – take an early bath, or go for a run. Anything that stops you from ‘trying’ to find the answer or make the decision. And if you need a sounding board right now, book a FREE Clarity Coaching Call and let me support you find the right solution.