Hint: If you cannot answer this question quickly then perhaps you do. You might be one of the estimated 20% of adults who consider themselves as chronic procrastinators. This continual delaying of decision-making can sometimes lead to detrimental impacts in our business and personal lives. But let’s face it–we all procrastinate at one time or another in our lives. But why do we do it?

Here are some common reasons:

- We seek perfection e.g. we need every bit of information before making a decision

– We would rather dream than do anything

– We constantly worry about the results of our decision (hence it is better not to make a decision at all)

– Sometimes we just need a deadline or crisis to make a decision – We are just do not care either way about the decision or the decision options are virtually the same

– Because we need to micro-manage every decision we end up not making a decision at all (as we have too many to make).

Perhaps in some cases it might be for a very good reason, you might be waiting for some new information but most of us would benefit from becoming a more confident decision maker.

Here are 4 ways to break-out of the procrastination cycle

1. Use the 80:20 rule — decide what are the 20% of decisions that impact on the 80% of your life (e.g. what meetings should I attend this week, how many hours will I work today). Now make a quick decision on these only. By focusing on the few important decisions you won’t feel overwhelmed and you will make better decisions.

2. List nine pros and then nine cons of any decision. Do both in two minutes then make a final decision?

3. Similar to the above process but in this case list the nine rational elements of a decision (e.g. in considering a new job–a rational consideration might be the pay level) and the nine emotional factors (e.g. what if i fail?) then make a decision. Remember to do these quickly so you do not filter.

4. Escape thinking about any decision as being right or wrong. You will never know in advance and you can tie yourself up in knots. It is better to think about it as does this decision keep things moving or will it improve my learning or does this move the business along? By thinking along this dimension then you will be more able to actually make a decision and sleep better afterwards.

 

Keep deciding!
Dr Ken Hudson.