Many introverts, myself included, often struggle with making decisions due to a fear of letting go of the past.
For example, imagine someone who has spent their entire life in their hometown, surrounded by family, friends, and familiar places. One day, they receive an exciting job offer in a new city that promises growth and new experiences.
However, the thought of moving feels overwhelming. They would have to leave behind their close-knit community, comfortable routines, and everything they’ve always known.
Even though the new city offers endless possibilities, the fear of cutting ties with their past life holds them back.
Similarly, a person may feel stuck in a job they find unfulfilling, yet hesitate to change careers. Starting something new means leaving behind years of experience, job security, and the professional identity they’ve built over time.
Despite knowing that a new career could bring greater satisfaction, the fear of losing what’s familiar makes the decision difficult.
This is called decision paralysis, and because of this, many introverts fail to make decisions.
Today, I am sharing with you 7 ways to make decisions, no matter how tough they are!
1. Game Theory
Game theory is the study of strategic decision-making, where individuals or groups (referred to as “players”) make choices that affect each other’s outcomes.
Each player aims to maximize their benefit while considering the potential decisions of others. Game theory helps in understanding situations where players have conflicting or cooperative interests and need to make decisions based on anticipating others’ actions.
There is a famous example called the Prisoner’s Dilemma. In this classic scenario, two criminals are arrested and interrogated separately. Each has two options: betray the other (confess) or remain silent. The potential outcomes are:
- If both remain silent, each gets 1 year in prison (mutual cooperation).
- If one betrays the other and the other remains silent, the betrayer goes free while the silent one gets 5 years.
- If both betray each other, they each get 3 years in prison.
Even though it’s better for both to stay silent (1 year each), the fear that the other might betray often leads them to confess and resulting in a worse outcome (3 years each).
Game theory helps us think strategically, anticipate the impact of others’ choices, and consider how cooperation and trust can lead to better decision-making outcomes.
2. Worst-Case Scenario
When making a decision, ask yourself: What is the worst-case scenario of this decision?
For example, if you’re starting a small business, the worst-case scenario could be:
- You lose your entire investment.
- You struggle to pay off debts you took to fund the business.
- The market demand drops, and no one buys your products.
- You have to close down the business after just a few months.
- You face personal financial difficulties as a result of the loss.
Ask yourself now: Can you live with that?
If the answer is yes, that’s great! Start your business.
3. Your Decision Should Match Your Values and Principles
As introverts, we often make decisions based on emotion or stay in our comfort zones, which we should try to overcome.
However, it’s crucial to ensure that the decision you make aligns with your values and principles.
Decisions that reflect your values lead to a more authentic life. When you act in accordance with your beliefs, you feel true to yourself and are more likely to experience fulfillment and satisfaction.
While it might be tempting to make decisions based on short-term gains or societal pressures, choices that align with your values tend to lead to long-term happiness and satisfaction. They often result in outcomes that resonate with your deeper beliefs.
When your actions don’t align with your values, it may be difficult to feel fulfilled or satisfied, which can lead to a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose in your life.
4. Take Advice From Experts
I believe we should make most of our decisions independently. However, there are times when seeking advice is essential. The benefits of consulting others include gaining new insights and perspectives that you may not have considered.
Due to their expertise, you can learn from their knowledge and experience, which can reduce your risk of failure.
Remember to take advice from people who are reasonable and can process decisions without adding emotion. Relying solely on advice from emotional or subjective sources can cloud your judgment and make it harder to see the situation clearly.
For instance, suppose your marriage isn’t working, and you seek advice from someone who hates marriage—you already know what they might suggest.
Or, if you ask someone who is single, they might recommend being single. So, consult with someone who is reasonable and can assess the situation without emotional bias.
5. What Are Your Alternatives?
Finding alternatives when making decisions helps you make better choices and maximizes your chances of aligning your decision with both your goals and needs.
Suppose you’ve been offered a job in another city, but you’re unsure whether to accept it because it involves relocation, which might affect your family, lifestyle, and finances.
Without Alternatives:
- You may feel pressured to either accept or reject the offer, turning it into a binary decision.
- If you accept, you might later regret moving due to the impact on your family or the cost of living.
- If you reject, you might feel like you missed out on career growth.
With Alternatives:
- Negotiate a remote work arrangement, allowing you to accept the job without relocating.
- Request a relocation package to cover moving expenses if you’re open to moving but concerned about the costs.
- Explore local job opportunities to advance your career without relocating.
- Consider a part-time or contract option to test out the job before fully committing.
By considering alternatives, you gain more flexibility and reduce the pressure of the decision. Weigh the pros and cons of each option to make a more informed choice.
6. Stick With Your Decision
Once you’ve made a decision, it’s important to stick with it. Many people blame themselves for the choices they make, which can lead to demotivation.
Sticking to your decision reinforces confidence, prevents unnecessary doubt, promotes consistency, and encourages resilience.
It will help you:
- Avoid overthinking: Constant second-guessing can lead to unnecessary stress.
- Promote consistency: Ensuring your actions align with your goals and values.
- Demonstrate commitment: Showing dedication and perseverance, which are essential for success.
- Provide learning opportunities: Even if your decision doesn’t turn out as planned, you can learn and grow from the outcome.
- Reduce decision fatigue: Constant re-evaluation of choices drains mental energy.
- Increase productivity: Focusing on implementing your decision instead of revisiting it improves efficiency.
