Decision Making
Decision-making is something we all do every day, from small choices like what to eat for breakfast to bigger decisions like changing jobs or moving to a new place. But sometimes, making decisions can be really tough. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or anxious about making a choice, you might be experiencing something called internal resistance. This is when your mind puts up barriers that make it hard to decide, even when you know what you want or need to do.
What is Internal Resistance?
Internal resistance happens when something inside you is holding you back from making a decision. This might be because of fear—fear of making the wrong choice, fear of failing, or even fear of what might happen if things go well. For example, if you’re afraid of failing, you might keep putting off making a decision to avoid the risk of failure. This delay might seem like indecision, but it’s really a way of protecting yourself from potential disappointment.
Another reason for internal resistance is when you have conflicting feelings or desires. Let’s say you’re thinking about changing jobs. Part of you might be excited about a new opportunity, but another part of you might worry about losing the security of your current job. These conflicting feelings can make it hard to decide because each option has its pros and cons, and you’re unsure which path to take.
### Signs of Internal Resistance
It’s important to recognize when internal resistance is affecting your decisions. Some common signs include:
- Procrastination: If you find yourself constantly delaying a decision, it might be because you’re avoiding something uncomfortable.
- Overthinking:: When you’re stuck in a loop of thinking about every possible outcome, it can be a sign that you’re afraid of making a mistake.
- Feeling Stuck: If no option seems right, or if you feel paralyzed by choice, it could mean that internal resistance is at play.
How to Overcome Internal Resistance
While internal resistance can make decision-making tough, there are ways to work through it:
1. Acknowledge Your Fears: The first step is to recognize what you’re afraid of. Are you worried about failing? Are you scared of making the wrong choice? By understanding these fears, you can start to address them.
2. Clarify Your Priorities: Sometimes resistance happens because you’re unsure what’s most important to you. Take some time to think about your values and what you really want. This can help you make decisions that align with your true desires.
3. Break It Down: Big decisions can feel overwhelming. Try breaking them down into smaller steps. Instead of focusing on the whole decision, think about the first small step you can take. This makes the process feel more manageable.
4. Be Kind to Yourself: It’s easy to be hard on yourself when making decisions, especially if you’re afraid of making a mistake. Try to be compassionate with yourself. Remember that it’s okay to not have all the answers and that everyone makes mistakes sometimes.
5. Visualize the Outcomes: Imagine the possible outcomes of your decision. What’s the best-case scenario? What’s the worst-case scenario? This can help reduce the fear of the unknown and give you a clearer idea of what to expect.
6. Get Support: Talking things over with a friend, family member, or mentor can provide new perspectives and help you feel less alone in your decision-making process.
Embrace the Process
Remember, decision-making is a process, and internal resistance is a normal part of it, especially when the stakes are high. Instead of seeing resistance as a problem, try to view it as a sign that you’re engaged in your life and that you care about making the right choice.
By recognising and understanding your internal resistance, you can begin to work through it and make decisions that feel right for you. And while the process might be challenging, it’s also an opportunity for growth. Be patient with yourself, and trust that with time, you’ll gain the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.
