How to Make Decisions When Paralyzed by Options

A couple of years ago, I stood at a crossroads in my career with multiple paths forward. Each one looked good on paper and each one mattered to me. But which was the right one?

That's when I realized: sometimes there really is such a thing as too many options.

The Paralysis Is Real

I recently worked with a mid-career professional who had an incredible opportunity to move to the next level. It was a dream role. Better pay. More impact.

She couldn't convince herself to pull the trigger.

Her fear? Leaving behind the credibility she'd built, the colleagues who'd become friends, even the Friday happy hours that made it all worthwhile. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out, for those not aware) was eating her alive—not fear of missing the new opportunity, but fear of losing what she already had.

Sound familiar?

Why We Get Stuck

Decision science calls this "choice overload"—when too many options overwhelm our brains and we freeze. Add in the fear of making the wrong choice, and suddenly doing nothing feels safer than doing something.

But here's the truth: hesitation is still a choice. And often, it's the worst one.

Whether it's FOMO, fear of failure, waiting for the perfect option, or plain old paralysis, we all face decisions that stop us in our tracks. The question isn't whether you'll face them—it's how you'll move through them.

A Framework for Moving Forward

There are many ways to move forward through a decision. Some people like plain old pros and cons list. When I'm stuck on a decision, here's what I do:

1. Gather the intel (but not all of it)

I look at the available information and talk to people who'll be impacted. But I don't wait for perfect clarity—if I have 80% of what I need, I move. Waiting for 100% is just procrastination in disguise.

2. Trust your gut

Data tells you what. Your gut tells you why. I look at all crossroads - facts + instincts + reading the room. All three matter.

3. Remember: decisions mean nothing without action

You can make the "perfect" choice and do nothing with it. Or you can make a good-enough choice and move with conviction. Movement and momentum beats perfection every time.

The Real Question

The choice that paralyzes you today—what happens if you don't make it?

Not choosing is choosing. It's choosing to stay stuck.

So whether you're weighing career moves, business decisions, or life pivots: make the call. Take the step. Adjust as you go.

You don't need certainty. You need courage and 80% of the information.

What decision are you avoiding right now? And what would happen if you finally made it?