Not Making a Decision is Still A Decision

 “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take and the decisions we waited to make.” Anonymous

Making a big decision can often feel vulnerable. Depending on the circumstances, some decisions could put us at risk for feeling hurt, embarrassed or ridiculed. Naturally, these are outcomes we would like to avoid, especially if we are already under stress or feeling insecure about ourselves. It can therefore be tempting to put off or avoid certain decisions that make us uneasy or uncertain. Not making a particular decision can sometimes feel like the safest course of action, because we can perceivably control our current circumstances by keeping them the same, giving us more time to “prepare” for the decision that is inevitably important to make. 

The problem we don’t realize is this… not making a decision is still a decision. 

This is evidence that you are in control of the direction of your life, even when you are not in control of outside events and circumstances. So when life is feeling out of your control, it is important to take a deep breath and ask yourself if not making decision “x” is really the decision you want to make.

It is easy to get stuck when a decision raises the bar of vulnerability, but engaging with those decisions is what shapes us into our authentic selves. When we avoid making such decisions, authenticity ends up farther away from us, creating more space for anxiety and depression to thrive. 

At Intraconnections Counseling, vulnerability becomes central in my work with clients. I encourage them to practice self-awareness and challenge them to work toward courageous choices. The combination of self-awareness, courage and vulnerability is a process I call Going Within. Going Within is never easy but is essential if you want to connect with your true self. Discovering the path to your true self is process I call Flying Free. This process includes a combination of empowerment, authenticity and self-acceptance. 

We cannot experience joy and gratitude without fear and heartache. Making tough decisions often opens the doors to freedom. Take a deep breath and Go Within! 

If you want to learn more about how to Go Within and Fly Free, click this link to watch my video series explaining each step.