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Indecisiveness is simply the inability to take decisions. This can affect one’s life by making simple choices a complex process.

What are the different types of indecisiveness?

There are 3 different types of indecisiveness that people generally fall under

  1. Impulsive indecisiveness

  2. Compulsive indecisiveness

  3. Disorganized indecisiveness

Impulsive indecisiveness:

Impulsiveness and indecisiveness have been positively correlated by research.  Here are some cues to understand the impulsive indecisiveness:

  1. People think decisions are difficult and unpleasant.

  2. These can be people who try several clothes at a cloth store or try a bunch of teas before zeroing down on one.

  3. Someone who goes shopping without any items on the list and ends up buying a whole lot.

  4. People with impulsive indecisiveness are neurotic about decisions.

Compulsive indecisiveness

Often for obsessive-compulsive disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, this type of indecisiveness is a well-known symptom. People who fall under this category are constantly trying to find out the best possible decision and fear the uncertain outcomes which make it difficult to even make the smallest decisions.

Here are some cues to understand if an individual falls in this category:

  1. Individuals don’t find decisions unpleasant but difficult

  2. They want to make perfect decisions

  3. They can spending days and weeks for some decision

  4. They will sleep on the decision

  5. They will visit all possible places, talk to all possible people about their decision

Disorganized indecisiveness

These are the individuals who have no idea whatsoever about what they want.

Here are some cues:

  1. They are often caught off-guard

  2. No clue what they are looking for

What are the reasons for indecisiveness?

  1. Wanting to make perfect decisions

  2. Overprotective parenting

  3. Authoritarian parenting

  4. Fear of committing mistakes

  5. Low self-esteem

  6. Fear of uncertainty

  7. Fear of being judged for wrong decisions

How to overcome indecisiveness

  1. By not acting on impulses

  2. Starting small with everyday decisions

  3. Working on self-esteem

  4. Facing the fears

  5. Understanding that there could be some good in both the decisions. Decisions are never all good or all bad. 

  6. Being okay with making mistakes

Seeking professional help

Counseling offers plenty of scope for people dealing with indecisiveness. With a supportive therapist, the individual is likely to understand deeper reasons behind their indecisiveness and get help appropriately.

Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.

About MindTribe.in.

MindTribe Founder Dr. Prerna Kohli, India’s eminent psychologist, established the company to leverage the strength of the online to make counseling affordable and accessible to everyone. MindTribe provides counseling, workshops, support groups, forums, and eLearning.

About the Author.

Sridevi Kakuturi is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.

Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.