You're deciding

Not debating / Issue 1,127

Oh, hi friends!

I’ve always been an indecisive person.

Or at least that's how I described myself. 

Should we leave on Monday or Tuesday? At 11 a.m. or 4 p.m.?

Will the editor like this story idea or that one? And which one do *I* like?

If I commit over here, will I miss out on something over there?

Should I pet the left owl or the right owl?

I actually don’t think I’m supposed to pet either owl.

Indecision can lead to stasis and stasis eventually feels like you're moving backwards. 

So what can we do with indecision? 

There are only four words: Do it or don't.

You gotta decide to do it or not.

This idea has been so freeing, and I've reached for it over and over again in recent months. 

Yes, I still might delay making a decision, but narrowing it down to two options always makes it more clear.

Because if you decide to do something, you can move to the next step.

Book the space, make the appointment, pay the deposit, write the draft, and so on.

If you decide you're not going to do something, you can also move to the next step.

You don't have to think about it anymore, and can get on with your life. 

Both options, to me, seem OK! 

Deciding doesn’t erase doubt or fear of failure, but it does sand the edges of procrastination and inches you forward.

And after you decide, you will never know how the alternative decision would play out. But that’s OK, too. You can let it go.

Nice place to be on a Monday.

(And if you're still debating, you can always email me or leave a comment and ask "sooo should I do this or not?" and I'll definitely choose an option for you! Lol. Sometimes outsourcing is a secret weapon.)

I decided that I’d pet the left owl, by the way.* Even though he looks freaked out.

*No owls were actually pet or harmed in the making of this newsletter.

Do it — or don’t!

And go on.