The temptation to get it all right and gather every last bit of information before making a decision may also be a stalling technique, disguised as thoughtful consideration and due diligence. While the process may be familiar and the typical way you attack a problem or even a purchase, lengthy timelines can be exhausting and frustrating to you and others. It helps to understand if this is an avoidance trap based on fear or a belief that sufficient research is necessary in order to always determine the best outcome. While fast tracking some choices may be appropriate, speed isn’t always the best approach. So, how can you shift your perspective and become more comfortable with less detail?
Planning a new approach to problem solving and decision making requires a leap of faith in the beginning. Streamlining your approach takes practice and being somewhat uncomfortable with change. For example, choosing a new career path is quite different than planning your next vacation or deciding which laptop best fits your needs. Start small.
Identify the decision/problem to solve
What information do you need?
Do you require help in getting that data?
Identify potential resources
Ask for support
Create a timeline with a completion date
Quite often the first step, no matter how seemingly minor, creates more energy to continue. Build confidence with less important matters so that you can devote more time and effort to those weightier decisions.
We make hundreds of small decisions daily. Not every choice will be the best one. You may second guess your final, carefully selected option or revel in the result. Remember, there’s a finite amount of time and getting stuck in the process prevents you from moving forward. With practice and planning you will become more comfortable with a revised approach to problem solving: analysis, minus any ensuing paralysis.
However comfortable you assumed you were with choice and change, it may morph into overwhelming anxiety that was never anticipated. This makes it the ideal time to engage the support of a career coach with experience in helping professionals achieve better, faster, results. At KICKSTART Your Transition we offer a broad range of services to fit your needs.
©MWeisner2019