Not deciding is also a decision

Deciding or not deciding has consequences. Many times we believe that not deciding is the best way to escape a certain situation, but we are wrong since letting time be the one to clear up doubts is also a decision. Whether you give your opinion or stay silent, whether you act or stay still… you will be deciding how to continue.

We usually see how politicians abstain from deciding in Congress or citizens vote blank during elections. They are all making a decision by not deciding! Definitely, not deciding is a play on words that reflects a reality that we sometimes omit for fear of facing the situation of uncertainty and hold ourselves accountable for the results.

Not deciding is your decision

Always We are taking sides for one thing or another even though we don’t realize it or we don’t even know it.. Even if we think that not saying a hurtful word or not facing fears is “saving” us from a problem. We cannot deceive ourselves. Refraining from taking a position… is having a position!

If you stay silent when faced with arguments as a couple so as not to make things worse, if for fear of what people will say you don’t say what you think in a meeting or if you stay at home for fear that something bad will happen to you… you are making decisions! Thus, you are responsible for the fact that sometimes your partner does not know what you think and cannot understand why you feel frustrated or angry.

Every day we are faced with situations where we must decide which path to take.. Imagine that you are walking down a street and suddenly a fork appears before you. You can continue to the right or to the left. Of course, you can also decide to go backwards or even stay still in that place. They are all decisions. Even the last one, although with it you have assumed that you are not going to advance.

To decide or not to decide, that is the question

Some questions can be very simple if we have to make a decision (such as what clothes I wear or what I prepare for dinner) but there are others that require a more exhaustive analysis. While we are thinking about it and not taking a position we must understand that we also decide: we decide not to take another step. And no one is forcing us to do it. This is why we say that not making decisions is just another decision.

You surely know the saying that says “he who remains silent grants.” That is exactly what happens when we do not have defined what we want to do or say. If you remain silent or still in your place, you must assume the consequences of your lack of action. Don’t make excuses or think that this way you will save yourself from reactions. Remember that every stimulus has a response. Therefore Each “non-decision” leads to “non-acceptance” or “not getting involved” with a particular problem or situation.

Not deciding is letting chance act

We may be tempted or in the habit of not making decisions for fear of what might happen. We do not want to take responsibility for our steps and prefer to choose to be “passive” or “inactive”. We believe that destiny, the Universe or luck will take care of our problem. But this is not so. When we choose not to decide we can cause worse consequences than if we at least try to do something about it.

When we must choose an alternative among those presented to us, we prefer to close our eyes, cross our arms or sit on the floor instead of analyzing the repercussions of each one. If you insist on maintaining that position of “non-decision” then you will not be able to complain to anyone about what happens to you. It is your responsibility and no one else’s. Don’t forget that inaction will not give you the right to ask others for explanations.

Of course you have the possibility to change and achieve the desired effect. But to do this you have to take an active role, even if it saturates you cognitively and you make mistakes, that way you will get it right and/or learn. Don’t forget that you are the architect of your own destiny. Dare to make decisions even if you make mistakes. Learn from your mistakes and assume your responsibilities. It will be really worth it if you make mistakes when deciding!

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