BLUF

People often procrastinate on important decisions to avoid uncertainty, gaining temporary relief but prolonging stress. Overcoming this involves limiting options, recognising avoidance, accepting a ‘good enough’ choice, and taking one small step forward.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Explain how uncertainty and negative reinforcement contribute to decision-making procrastination and why avoiding decisions provides only temporary relief while increasing long-term stress.
  • Identify common barriers to effective decision-making, including perfectionism, maximizing behaviour, and being overwhelmed by too many choices.
  • Apply practical strategies to make decisions more effectively, including narrowing options, accepting a ‘good enough’ outcome, and taking small actionable steps. 

References