Are you just indecisive or paralyzed by perfectionism?

[Lifehack.org]( Perfectionism could be causing your indecisiveness... 'Good enough' is not just good, but smart. And this is how you can make decisions more effectively. [Share today's tip with a friend.]( Hi there, Ever met someone (or maybe it's you) who finds making decisions as tough as cracking a puzzle? Picture this: you're out for a meal, and while everyone else at your table has ordered their meals, you're stuck at the appetizer section, re-reading descriptions, weighing options, and feeling a mounting sense of pressure. Or maybe it's the supermarket aisles that get you. Shampoo, pasta, a new pair of jeans – it doesn't matter what. You're caught up comparing features, prices, and brands while your shopping cart remains woefully empty. Indecision, science tells us, can often stem from a lack of confidence. Sometimes, it's just about not having enough information. But more often than not, the root cause of indecisiveness is perfectionism. Perfectionists, like us, want our choices to be flawless. No hiccups, no second-guessing. We play out every possible outcome, including the unlikely ones, in our minds. For example, we might think, "What if this pasta is too spicy?" or "What if these jeans shrink after the first wash?" This constant back-and-forth creates a cycle of indecision, known as perfectionist paralysis. This paralysis doesn't just affect us in our personal lives. It can creep into our workplaces too. Some of my team members have also found themselves stuck in this perfectionist trap. Despite having analyzed every possible scenario, weighing pros and cons, and aligning their choices with desired outcomes, they've still been unable to pull the trigger. Why? They're chasing the elusive 'perfect' decision. But here's something I like to remind them of: the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. This principle states that 80% of our outcomes come from just 20% of our efforts. In the context of decision-making, this means recognizing when you've done enough to achieve a 'good enough' outcome. Chasing after the last 20% of perfection often means expending disproportionate time and energy with marginal returns. A member of my team once spent weeks deciding between two software solutions. Both met our primary needs, but he was stuck seeking the 'perfect' choice. By employing the 80/20 rule, he realized both options were 'good enough' and made a decision, freeing up his time to contribute to other high-value projects. Curing perfectionist paralysis is not about lowering your standards; it's about recognizing when 'good enough' is not just good, but smart. If you're often faced with indecision, don't worry; there's more help at hand. The “Eliminate Inefficiencies” section in our [All-Access Membership]( is designed just for you. It's packed with techniques, and courses dedicated to making decision-making easier, even within tight schedules. Plus, you'll gain access to our productive community and trained coaches. Do give it a look. [All-Access Membership →]( Remember, progress is better than perfection. Let's move away from the paralysis of perfectionism and towards the momentum of 'good enough'. Cheers, Leon Founder & CEO@LifeHack Become a LifeHack Member Gain access to exclusive tools and techniques to reclaim your time [Learn More →]( [Share This Email With a Friend]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Youtube]( [Pinterest]( Sent to: {EMAIL} [Unsubscribe]( Lifehack, Unit 33554, PO Box 6945,, London, W1A 6US, United Kingdom