Word of the Week:  INDECISION

Came across this picture this week, and after the initial giggles-yes, the cold ocean waves of the Cape are always are on my mind this time of year-I really looked at this photo.

WOW, what an amazing illustration of an internal process .

Approaching the edge of something new, or a big decision, we are unsure. We retreat…dance around it…maybe do a one-eighty. Maybe a few times. We’ll observe, re-group, and re-approach.

Defined as inconclusive, hesitant, or lacking resolution, indecision doesn’t feel good. It’s psychic energy hitting a wall.  Effort without movement or resolution. Unlike thoughtful consideration, or a quiet pondering-indecision is less about the decision, and more about the fear and uncertainty surrounding it.

Like a paralyzing fog, it rolls in and holds you captive, occupying your brain, making you feel miserable and stuck. Indecision is probably the #1 factor behind procrastination.

A truism in sales is that an objection is just a question that has not been answered yet. I would extend that, and suggest that in many cases, indecision is fear that has not been addressed.  All that “HOME”  represents,  all the choices out there, and the current market have created a perfect storm of sorts for many homeowners. Helping clients sort things out, and see their choices clearly so they can get on with their lives is rewarding, and productive for both of us.

Acknowledging you are in it is the first step to getting out of it.  After that, an activity to distract or shake up the mindset-like working out, or seeing a movie can help.  Sleeping on it works for some. Looking for, and at the fear helps others.

Despite The Refreshed Home’s creative nature, I am a fairly analytical thinker.  Asking clients ‘what is the worst that could happen?’ and have them either either write down,  or verbalizing the scenarios deflates a lot of the what-ifs, while adding perspective.

As I get older, I am more and more aware of how fleeting , and precious time is. Time spent going round and round in that hamster wheel of indecision is time forever lost. Recalling a quote I read once by German artist, playwright, politician and philosopher at large Johann von Goethe is what nudges me out, every time:

“Then indecision brings its own delays.

And days are lost lamenting o’er lost days.

Are you in earnest?

Seize this very moment.

What you can do, or dream you can-begin it.

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it”