The psychologist named the main reasons for indecision

In conditions of uncertainty and excessive choice, it is increasingly difficult for people to make decisions — they postpone it, shifting responsibility to others or technology. Psychologist Marina Grach told Izvestia on December 22 about the reasons for such indecision and ways to cope with the "choice paralysis".

"Increasing the number of options available can make us even more hung up. This phenomenon is called "decision paralysis" in psychology. A classic experiment by Professors Iyengar and Lepper showed that when people were offered six types of jam, 30% made a purchase. When there were 24 species, only 3% bought," the specialist explained.

According to the psychologist, doubts do not indicate weakness of character. Confident people also experience insecurity, but they continue to act in spite of it. Confidence arises after a decision has been made, while the expectation of inner readiness only increases the feeling of helplessness.

Grach called the conflict between the "child", "parent" and "adult" concepts of transactional analysis one of the key internal causes of procrastination. In conditions of increased anxiety, the inner child part is afraid of mistakes and condemnation, a strict "parent" demands an ideal result, and a rational "adult" is trapped between fear and pressure. Often this conflict is fueled by perfectionism and family scenarios related to the prohibition of mistakes and risks.

To overcome the "decision paralysis," the psychologist recommends that you first analyze your fear and determine whose inner voice is preventing you from acting. It is also important to separate areas of responsibility, focusing only on what depends on the person himself, and to review the criteria for the "right" decision, reducing the requirements for an ideal result.

Grach called the "small steps" method another effective approach, in which large goals are broken down into a series of small experiments. This allows you to reduce stress and perceive the process not as an exam, but as a study.

"It's worth reminding yourself that absolutely everyone doubts. It's just that those who seem especially brave to us move through fear and doubt. All the time that you will continue to grow, you will be afraid. The only way to stop being afraid to make decisions is to make them regularly through anxiety and doubt. And the main way to feel like the author of your life is not to cling to fear and apprehension, but to do it in spite of them," the expert concluded.

On December 3, Anastasia Cardiakos, a family psychologist and psychotherapist, told us how to regain control of attention and stop living in notification mode. She explained that the main principle of digital hygiene is to control your notifications on your devices.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.