Do you find yourself getting overwhelmed choosing...

• what to eat?

• where to go on vacation?

• what color to paint your living room? 

• which movie to see?

• what you want to be when you grow up?

Some people can make a decision in a split second. Most of us, however, will experience times when the choices are so many that we get paralyzed trying to figure out which one is best.  

Self care can be narrowing your choices to limit your stress. If you can't narrow them yourself, ask for some help. Here are some examples of how to do it:

• Can't make up your mind at a restaurant, decide first whether you want to go vegetarian or what kind of meat you want to eat. Then choose from that category. You also can remind yourself that this most likely won't be the last time you eat in a restaurant!   

• We often place such importance on our vacation that we can't decide for fear we make the wrong choice. Start by narrowing your mode of transportation, or decide the distance you can travel based on the time you have. Or, make of list of five places you would like to go, then prioritize your list.

• Choose a color group first when picking paint. Then choose five colors you are attracted to in that group. If nothing feels right to you, choose five more. Make your choice from groups of five until you find the color you feel will work the best.

• Don't know what movie to see, pick a genre and then choose a movie from it. Can't pick a genre? Either choose your favorite kind of movie or choose from one you don't usually see.

• It doesn't matter what age we are, we can always make changes in what we "do." Instead of thinking of a lifetime in setting your goals, make a five year plan. Doing it in five year increments can lessen feeling overwhelmed.  

Whenever you are finding it difficult to make a decision, try to narrow your choices. Doing so doesn't mean you are lessening your options, it is just a stress reducer and decision-making aid.      

Perfectionism Can Be Paralyzing