As a young university student, I remember being unable to decide what I wanted to major in. I liked so many different things. Medicine, education, psychology…. I even considered engineering! I was all over the map because I was trying to keep all of my doors open. This is what I had been taught was a wise thing to do. Unfortunately, it left me feeling quite overwhelmed.
Today, the older and wiser me understands what positive psychology science has proven: sometimes closing doors and saying “no” is necessary in order to be fully present in our lives. It’s important to keep our options open, but if we don’t limit our number of options, we end up feeling confused, overwhelmed and unable to put our time into the things that truly matter.
Being in an indecisive state for too long can make us feel overwhelmed.
If we feel stuck and scared, overanalyzing the same decision again and again, it is difficult to focus on what is in front of us. It is harder to move forward.
In life there are many things that we can’t control, so I believe we should take control of the things that we can. If we find ourselves saying “yes” too often, then choose to say “no” a little more often. Limit your options to a manageable level that allows you to do a few things well and feel in control. Once you have said “no” a few times, it will be easier to identify the things you truly want to do and say “yes” to.
The important thing is to make a choice in most cases.
Whether it is “yes” or “no,” it is only once we make a decision that we can move forward. And it is this path of movement and creation that makes up the richness of our lives.
Is there a decision you have been procrastinating about? Then consider saying “no” to help clarify the things you want to say “yes” to in the future. And if that doesn’t feel right, then maybe chatting with someone about it will help. I’m always here for a free, no-obligation chat.
And, for those of you wondering, I eventually chose to major in nutrition at university. I actually hated it, but it eventually led to a Masters in Public Health, which I loved and I worked in that field for many years.
Until next time,
Claudia
P.S. Enjoy reading my newsletters? Be sure to “like” my Facebook page for inspiration in your daily life.