Our brain comes with a number of features to start life out with, but a complete decision making program is not included. What we get is a rudimentary system for basic urges – I want and I don’t want. The rest the template is left for us to encode ourselves.
It’s easy for your brain when you have a pattern of experiences encoded. It knows exactly what to do and delivers consistent results that turn parts of your life into comfortable habits. It can be a mundane and unnoticed decision to put your socks on and take them off is the same sequence. Or, a more executive decision as to what brand of breakfast cereal you prefer this morning, or is it going to be a large or an extra large coffee today. Many of your daily activities are easy decisions based on prior preferences and experiences.
Only if life remained as simple as the brain decisions we are comfortable making.
Here are 10 common excuse patterns we code into our brain so we can try not to make a decision or at least avoid making a decision for as long as possible:
- I don’t have enough information to make this decision
- I’m overwhelmed with too much information to make a decision
- I have to decide between more than two choices, and it’s too much.
- Each choice has too many plus or minus points and I easily get confused.
- This is not the right time to decide, give it some more time.
- There’s too much pressure to reach a decision from people and/or a deadline.
- How will I know if I’m making the right decision?
- What will people think of me if I make the wrong decision?
- I don’t feel I should be the one making this decision.
- I have to consider all the possibilities and consequences of what this decision means before I can decide.
As they say, whether you made a decision or not made a decision – you made a decision.
What are your favorite excuses for not making a brain decision?
You Can Find Me At -
Yes, many times excuses can be convenient, and I want to note that there are times in life when making “big” decisions should be delayed. In my work as a hypnotherapist I often see people when they are under extreme stress, such as the death of a loved one, or other major disruption and during these times, decisions should be put off if possible or discussed with a trusted friend or family member.
Cynthia,
Thank you for bringing this up. Making decisions during times of emotional stress and even lack of sleep interfer with the brains ability to think everything through. It makes sense to let some time pass, until you feel you’re thinking more clearly.
As a counsellor and coach I think I have heard all of those. I am lucky I am quite quick at making decisions unless I am tired, in which case “I am too tired to make a decision” is my excuse 🙂 I enjoyed reading this post, it has reminded me how far I have come in my quest to be present and take action in life. Thank you.
Kama,
Sounds like your brain cells are firing up in your best interests, and good for you knowing when to stop when those brain cells get tired.
I’ve always had difficulty making decisions. This makes me think…a lot!
Fran,
Thank you for your thoughts. Making decisions is not always easy but life sure serves up more than a fair share of them.