Not Making a Decision Is a Decision.

The Obsession | Edition - 038

Not making a decision is a decision.

The worst thing I think someone can do is not decide. That choice, believe it or not, is a choice.

What I mean by not deciding is more along the lines of staying comfortable instead of looking for growth. Or staying in a poor situation and doing nothing to make it better.

To preface, I am not advocating for irrational decisions. I am advocating for reflection and thoughtful thinking.

How to know you're stuck:

For me, when I'm stuck I find that I procrastinate. That looks like trying to start new tasks or projects instead of finishing the one at hand.

Not every part of any job is fun or engaging. But I think at the core of your work you should enjoy what you do. Enough so that even when you get a project that isn't the most exciting, you can put your head down and know that it is moving you forward.

So if you find yourself continually procrastinating and feeling like the work is not moving you or your team in the right direction, you could be stuck.

The other red flag is "I'll stick it out." If you keep saying this to yourself, pay attention.

It can sound like, "They're going to promote me soon," or "We're getting a bonus," or "I'll wait until the end of the year."

Be aware if you are saying this again and again.

How to get out:

90-day reflection and planning is the best way I've found to avoid these headspaces of being just comfortable enough to not do anything.

Looking back every three months and reflecting on your work and growth will help you really determine if things are going well or not. Over the course of a year, you'll have four major moments to look back and actually think.

This is also a time to plan what you want going forward. Set 90-day goals or expectations for yourself, both on the personal and work side. To make it even more real, write them down so you can look back.

I have found this is a better way to make major decisions. But sometimes it just comes down to a moment where you have to full send.

What decision have you been putting off?

The weekly 3

1) One Question I Asked Myself

Am I staying comfortable because things are good, or because I'm afraid of what making a decision might look like?

2) One Idea That Shifted Me

If you keep telling yourself "I'll stick it out," that's not patience. That might be avoidance. There's a difference.

3) One Challenge to Take Into Your Week

Write down one decision you've been putting off. Then ask yourself why. If the answer is comfort or fear, that's your sign. Make the call this week.