We’ve all been there—delaying a decision until the last minute, only to feel overwhelmed when the deadline looms large. Procrastination in decision-making often stems from the fear of the unknown or from putting pressure on ourselves to avoid mistakes. As Harry Arthur Hoph wisely said, “Often greater risk is involved in postponement than in making a wrong decision.” Taking action, even if imperfect, is often better than not acting at all. It helps us learn, grow, and move forward rather than being stuck in hesitation.
To beat procrastination, it’s helpful to let go of the need to be perfect. Perfectionism creates anxiety and clouds our ability to take confident steps. Instead, reduce decision fatigue by focusing on what truly matters—prioritize decisions based on importance. It’s okay to ask for input from others, but be mindful not to fall into the trap of over-analysis, also known as “analysis paralysis.” A helpful trick is to set a deadline and stick to it. And if two options seem equally good, sometimes even flipping a coin can help break the deadlock—it shows that both choices are acceptable deep down.
Changing how we frame a problem can also shift our thinking. Cognitive reframing encourages us to look at decisions from a new angle. For instance, if choosing a restaurant feels tough, reframe it by considering which is closer, more affordable, or fits your current craving. This mindset shift helps you focus on what matters most in that moment and eases the stress of overthinking. Designing a more resilient mindset involves gratitude, compassion, and breaking big decisions into smaller, manageable ones.
Ultimately, decision-making is more about progress than perfection. Stay calm, prioritize wisely, and remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes. What matters is the intention behind the choice and the willingness to learn. Once a decision is made, commit to it with confidence—no regrets, just learning. Over time, this practice not only reduces anxiety but also empowers you to handle life’s crossroads with clarity and courage.
About the Authors:
Contribution towards this article in brief were done by the following students of Our Lady Queen of the Missions School, Park Circus, Kolkata: Tamanna Chowdhurie, Ritika Nag, Aarna Singh Chauhan, Debadrita Mandal.