I’m a decision maker.
But it takes me a long time to make a decision. I like to pick out the outfit I’m going to wear the next day the night before because if I don’t, I’ll likely stand before my closet in morning, staring at my clothes for too long, paralyzed by indecision. I joke that I waste a decent portion of my life on the cereal aisle because I’m trying to choose between Frosted Flakes or Cinnamon Toast Crunch on any given grocery store trip. And my week’s schedule is carefully thought out as well. I spend time deciding the nights I’ll see friends for dinner, the runs I’ll take and when I’ll take them, and the errands I’ll complete during the week.
Knowing that the clock ticks for quite some time as I choose which cereal to buy, you can probably imagine how long it takes me to make a decision worth any merit. Part of this is because I like to be fully committed to things. If I’m going to do something, I want to do it and do it all the way. I don’t like half committing. So when I decide to do something, I’m doing it. Period.
This mentality applies to my hobbies, my friendships, my job, and anything else I get involved in. But because I’m this way, the actual act of deciding can be an excruciating process. I want to be as sure as I can be that it’s right or best because I’m going to be fully committed.
Let’s go back to my silly cereal anecdote. Say you’re on the cereal aisle, making your selection. It’s true that you could spend hours on this aisle deliberating among all the choices. Frosted Flakes? They taste great, but they aren’t healthy. Apple Jacks? Just because apple is in the name doesn’t make them healthy. Cheerios? They aren’t as bad. Honey Nut Cheerios? They taste better, but that’s only because of the added sugar. This could go on for hours! You could literally stand on this aisle for hours trying to decide. (That is until a grocery store employee perhaps realizes you’ve been there for a half a day and ushers you along.) But you see my point. Eventually, if you want cereal—or even if you don’t—you must decide.
When we realize we need to make a decision, there are times we just have to stop analyzing and choose. And I don’t mean stop thinking; I mean stop analyzing. After you’ve spent time thinking, seeking advice from people you trust, praying for guidance, and truly trying to discern the wisest choice, at some point, you just have to make the decision.
As hard as decision making is for me, I can do it when it counts. Anyone can. We just need to have enough guts to do it. So often, making a decision—and making the best decision—is possible when you have courage enough to make it. As much as I like to think, process, analyze, reanalyze, and then analyze from a different angle, at some point, it just has to be done. Close your eyes, grit your teeth, and make it. Then don’t look back. Once your mind is made up, keep it that way.
Believe that you have the strength to make tough decisions, then prove to yourself you do.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7