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Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay
If you’re like me, you wake up every day with a fresh mind, productive thoughts, and a positive outlook for the day. You have a clear idea of what your career and future look like until…
You sit down and try to make it all work.
You might have 12 big tasks you want to complete, and you’re unsure which one to do first. You might have a clear goal for your life and an idea of what that looks like, but you have no idea where to start. Or, you might not have one clear idea, but you have 23 very possible life goals and career aspirations, but you need to just pick one and stay focused on that one.
But you can’t because, in your mind, they’re all good ideas, and you’re passionate about all of them.
How can you choose just one!?
It can feel like you are the Seven of Cups.
So, when it comes time to sit down and start working for the day, your mind is scrambled eggs and you can’t figure out where to focus or how to get started, so you doom-scroll most of the day or maybe you start on one thing but you don’t follow through.
If this is you, we are the same.
The Paralysis of Choice
This is called Decision Paralysis (aka Analysis Paralysis). It’s defined as the lack of ability to decide out of fear of making the wrong choice. It can occur when you’re presented with too many options that are difficult to compare. Instead, you become overwhelmed by all of them and not choosing any of them – effectively paralyzing yourself from making progress.
This refers to a scenario where no resolution or course of action is reached within a reasonable timeframe. The complexity of a situation may lead to indecision, with the fear that making a decision, even on the path to a better solution, might introduce failure or, alternatively, that delaying the decision excessively could lead to a more significant problem. In these cases, the desire for a perfect solution causes a hesitation to act.
Even if you do finally choose, battling analysis paralysis can sometimes be so mentally exhausting that you don’t have the energy left to follow through with action on your decision – thus, doom-scrolling.
Society’s Expectations vs. Individual Authenticity
First, and this is very important, be yourself. Our society makes it extremely difficult for people to truly embrace their individuality and authenticity. We’re told to go to college or trade school so we can get a job like everyone else, and so our lives look like everyone else’s. For neurodivergents and other out-of-the-box thinkers, this is prison.
Luckily, we have ways in which we can be our weird little selves through social media or selling our art and passions so that it is possible to free ourselves from that prison. But you must embrace your individual authenticity and let yourself shine for the world. This might be the hardest task.
The Power of Self-Understanding
In order to let our technicolor light shine for the world, we need to really get to know ourselves. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are the things that you want to be your strengths?
It’s imperative to know what we’re good at before moving forward with a goal. If, for example, you want to be a marine biologist, but you don’t know the first thing about aquatic life, then set yourself up with some classes and find out what you need to do to achieve that goal.
The same thing goes for making a brand on social media. You might be really good at one aspect of it, but do you know all the ins and outs well enough? Find your gaps and work on filling them.
Embracing Imperfection
Many of us quit a project because it’s not perfect, so we move on to the next one… and then the next one, and the next one.
While it’s okay to have multiple projects open at a time, ask yourself, what would have happened if you had just posted the video, or started that Etsy shop, or told the collaborative shop owner about your amazing product?
Try finishing one thing to completion and put it out in the world. Ask yourself how it feels.
Embracing Flexibility
If you’re a multi-passionate solopreneur, acknowledge the fluid nature of paths and careers. Remember that not every project will bloom like you want it to. While this is definitely not ideal, it’s important that we are okay with it.
Maybe it’s just not the right time for your project. If that’s the case, put it aside and come back to it later. Or perhaps other things need to happen, like learning a new skill or leaving a job so you have time to devote to your passion.
Remember to breathe and know that it’s okay to pivot and explore different avenues throughout your journey.
Creating a Unique Blend
If you run into an issue where things just aren’t working out like you wanted, and you don’t want to set aside your passion, don’t be afraid to integrate multiple passions. Maybe that one thing isn’t working, but what would happen if you blended two of your passions together to create a unique blend of your interests?
This might carve out a whole new niche that further reflects your authentic self.
Mindful Decision-Making Strategies
If you’re still having a hard time making decisions that align with your soul’s purpose, or you just don’t know where to start, here are some ideas to get the juices flowing and to help narrow down your ideas:
Journal. Write what you want to see come to fruition. Write how you want your future to look.
List out your ideas or the decisions you have to make and cross them off as your thoughts solidify.
Make a list of pros and cons for each path or choice and prioritize them.
Meditate. Choose one idea to meditate on at a time and notice how each one makes you feel. If you ever feel any doubt during your meditation, it might be a good sign to rethink that choice.
Talk to someone. It could be a therapist, your best friend, or your mom, but talking out your ideas is a good way to gauge how a path or decision could go. It could also give you a clear view of the path forward. However, be careful not to ask them what they think you should do. This could cloud your intuition. Also, make sure it’s someone who won’t judge you.
Bottom Line
Don’t let decision paralysis stop you from doing the things that you love. Prioritize the easy or necessary things first, and go from there. Make lists, create a calendar, or do whatever it takes to help you stay on task.
And remember, don’t look at your choices as potential failures. See them as opportunities to learn more about yourself.
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