Indecision
Sometimes we are faced with a life challenge that freezes us in our path. We are uncertain what to do and how to proceed. If we are mindful we weigh all our options to try and figure out the best way forward. Sometimes the answer seems clear and other times we are parayzed by fear and confusion. Depending on the question at hand sometimes there can be an element of urgency which can heighten our anxiety and make coming up with a solution much more challenging. You might fear that if you choose one direction it may mean that you are leaving behind another.
In moments like this waiting for the “perfect solution” or direction can be agonizing. Let's take a look at this hypothetical scenario: You are the major breadwinner for your young family but are feeling bored and unfulfilled in your current job. You've always liked writing and drawing and fantasized of someday possibly being an artist or author. In your free time you enjoy journaling, drawing and reading books that interest you. You imagine writing and doing the animations for a children’s book but haven’t given it serious thought for several reasons.
Reason #1 I have a young family now that depends on my income for support. Making a change now might be risky and jeopardize our financial stability.
Reason #2 You’ve always been told by others that becoming an artist or author is very hard to do and that most artists struggle and it’s hard to earn a living as one. Or maybe your partner is cautioning you or not supportive of your idea.
Reason #3 Now is not a good time to be making any changes. This is the risk aversion thought where you can’t “rock the boat” or it may capsize. So you need to steer the course.
Reason #4 I don’t know enough or have the resources available to me to attempt to make the change I desire.
Reason #4 This is the saddest one in my mind. It is that you don’t believe in yourself and your abilities. Self doubt and low self esteem can sink any dream before it even gets started.
There most likely may be other fears or reasons for inaction and that is understandable. However once you wrestle with all the options, fears and potential for action you are then faced with a decision. To take action in a chosen direction or remain in your current position. We are faced with these sorts of decisions multiple times in our lives and it’s not easy to decide on a course of action. Whether to pursue your dream or remain in your current position whichever you choose, life goes on. There sometimes is no “right” decision and whichever you choose, the decision to remain on your current path or transition in a new direction will be difficult.