Big Ones Are Easy
October 10, 2025
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Pyramids and pizza – confessions of a non-decider
My late father-in-law had a million of ‘em. Trouble was, they were corny as Kansas in August.
Here’s one I must have heard from him a hundred times:
“Do you have trouble making decisions?”
“Gee, I’m not sure.”
On Wednesday it hit me like never before – I have trouble making decisions. Not big ones. Little ones.
I was plagued by two decisions I couldn’t make:
• Should I visit the subscriber preview of the Divine Egypt exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art the next day?
• Should I join a group of neighbor guys who are planning a Wooster Street pizza crawl the afternoon of October 25?
Now, you have to understand that in my life I’ve made some huge decisions without thinking twice:
• Proposing marriage
• Starting my own company
• Buying/building several houses
But as I write this, these two upcoming, trivial events have me frozen. To go or not to go? To be or not to be?
Experts say a struggle with indecision stems from a fear of making the wrong choice amid the available options, leading to a paralysis that leaves one feeling anxious and unfulfilled.
Indecision is, in itself, a decision to remain stagnant. Making a choice, regardless of the outcome, is better than remaining stuck in a kind of limbo.
Research identifies people who struggle with taking stands or committing to positions as "indecisive" or "lukewarm" personalities.
Indecisiveness is defined as "the subjective inability to make satisfactory decisions" and is considered a trait that has detrimental effects.
This isn't simply about being unable to choose between options, they say, but rather a deeper pattern of avoiding firm commitments.
Studies suggest that one in five adults exhibit chronic indecisiveness. In other words, inability to make decisions is a significant psychological phenomenon – not an occasional struggle.
Common causes of indecisiveness include:
1. Fear of making the wrong choice: A primary factor that can paralyze decision-making.
2. Overwhelming number of options: Too many choices can lead to confusion and uncertainty.
3. Anxiety: The stress that comes from feeling unsure can contribute to indecision.
4. Lack of clarity: Uncertainty about personal goals and values can make it difficult to evaluate options effectively.
5. Desire for perfection: The belief that every decision must be perfect may lead to hesitation.
6. Fear of mistakes: Concern over making a wrong choice can prevent action.
These factors create a cycle that reinforces indecisiveness, leading to inaction and frustration.
So here I am, writing this blog post Wednesday evening. I still can’t decide if I should head to the Met Museum tomorrow or Friday.
I know myself. If I postpone going to the museum tomorrow, I’ll find an excuse to not go on Friday. And I will end up missing the exhibit entirely.
I need my Mommy to tell me what to do . . .