When Indecision Steals Your Peace: 10 Questions to Help You Move Forward

Say Yes, Say No, But Don't Stay Stuck

Decisions—whether big or small—can sometimes paralyze us. We overthink, overanalyze, justify, question... and the list of behaviors goes on and on. Over the course of my life, I’ve made decisions very quickly, very slowly, and sometimes painstakingly. Saying yes is a response. Saying no is a response. And staying quiet in inaction is also a response.

There are many reasons we struggle with making decisions: people-pleasing, fear of the unknown, fear of making mistakes, fear of failure—even fear of success. Some of us self-sabotage because we’re not comfortable with goodness or success.

Throughout my life, there have been both good and bad decisions. But the beauty is this: there’s not a single bad decision I haven’t learned a GOOD lesson from. It’s taken me much of my adult life to recognize that when I stay on the teeter-totter of indecision, it can steal the present day from me. I can fritter away hours that could otherwise be restful or productive—all because I’m afraid of doing the wrong thing.

Here’s the solution I’ve learned: I never make an important decision when I’m tired. If the decision isn’t urgent, it’s always wise to sleep on it. I also ask myself questions from the list below. Not every decision requires all of them, but they’re a go-to resource that helps me avoid thinking myself into a box or getting mired in anxiety and inaction.

My Decision-Making Compass:

• Am I saying no out of a desire to protect my own selfish, creaturely comforts?

• Am I considering how this decision might bless others?

• Am I making this decision while holding on to a past resentment that needs healing?

• Am I delaying because I truly don’t know what’s best?

• Am I avoiding the next right step because I fear disappointing others?

• Am I ignoring my own needs and playing the martyr—only to feel resentful later for saying yes?

• Am I seeking God’s help in discerning the best decision and patiently waiting for His answer?

• Am I willing to act when God nudges me in one direction or another?

• Have I read scripture that might shed light on the best path forward?

• Have I surrendered this decision to God and asked Him to reveal His will?

  
  

I pray this reflection is helpful to someone. These questions have truly benefited me. They help relieve the pressure of people-pleasing and point me toward God-pleasing. They’ve been a faithful compass, and I’m sharing them today in hopes that someone else might find clarity, peace, or direction through them.

Grace to you,

Cindy

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