What Happens When You Do Not Make a Decision?
Why confronting the unknown can help us
Michelle Obama said, “You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen.”
The irony of this statement is it’s an explanation we take to heart. When we sense uncertainty, we hold back from deciding. We expect more information will appear and give us the confidence to choose. We want the certainty of knowing the choice we’re about to make is the right one. Time will clear the mist, like the heater blowing warm air on the car window.
Except it won’t.
Michelle is still right, but what you can’t do is let the fear and an unknown future stop you from deciding. What happens when you do not make a decision is other forces get the chance to decide for you. It is this unspoken element that much of this article will focus on.
Why?
Quite simply, there is so much advice on how to make decisions. This website shares many of the lessons on decision-making I’ve learnt in my life. You see we are quick to focus on the upsides of a decision. We like to feel like we’re in control and being decisive is one way to gain control.
Bizarrely, not deciding, is, itself a decision.
