Decision-making is something we face daily, from the simple “What shall I have for lunch?” to the monumental “Which direction should my career take?” But what if I told you the number of choices available to us could be holding us back rather than helping us?Let’s talk about the hidden barrier we rarely acknowledge: too much choice.<h1 id="d08aca72-0bed-49ad-81c0-d11bbc78d735" data-toc-id="d08aca72-0bed-49ad-81c0-d11bbc78d735">The Problem with Too Much Choice</h1>Have you ever felt overwhelmed scrolling through Netflix, unable to pick something to watch? Or stood in a supermarket aisle paralysed by the endless brands of cereal? Now imagine that same overwhelm applied to major life or business decisions.Here’s the kicker: Having too many choices doesn’t lead to better decisions—it leads to inaction.Psychologists call this the tyranny of choice. When we’re bombarded with options, it’s easy to delay decisions or avoid them altogether. And while it feels like you’re playing it safe, the reality is this: the more you delay, the more stuck you feel.<div class="iframe-wrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M3yTBQswt2k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><h1 id="47010267-3aec-43bd-b83c-c43c069c0d9a" data-toc-id="47010267-3aec-43bd-b83c-c43c069c0d9a">Why Choice Feels Comfortable</h1>Choices feel safe because they give us an excuse to avoid commitment. As long as you’re researching, considering, or weighing options, you can avoid the discomfort of actually doing something.But comfort is a trap. It’s an illusion that holds you in place while convincing you you’re making progress. True growth? That comes when you step out of that safe zone and commit to action.<h1 id="f6595bf9-86dd-4467-987c-55eaa3106e8d" data-toc-id="f6595bf9-86dd-4467-987c-55eaa3106e8d">My Own Experience with Overcoming Choice Paralysis</h1>Early in my career as a public speaker, I faced one of my biggest fears—standing in front of an audience. Before every talk, my stomach would churn, my hands would sweat, and my thoughts would race. If I’d had the option to back out, I probably would have taken it.But here’s what happened when I removed the option to quit:<ul><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">My focus shifted entirely to the task at hand.</li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">The fear of backing out disappeared because it simply wasn’t an option.</li></ul>Over time, that commitment became my greatest strength. Instead of drowning in the comfort of hesitation, I walked on stage and gave it my all. And that’s when I truly began to grow.<h1 id="b7c8a154-1bd2-4a31-b164-32d6b46e13fd" data-toc-id="b7c8a154-1bd2-4a31-b164-32d6b46e13fd">How to Make Good Decisions</h1>If you’re struggling with decision-making, here are some practical steps to help you move forward:<h2 id="c520cad9-ecfc-43e9-983e-f01700fc1a27" data-toc-id="c520cad9-ecfc-43e9-983e-f01700fc1a27">1. Get Clear on Your Purpose</h2>Ask yourself: Why does this decision matter? When your choices align with a meaningful purpose, it becomes easier to commit. For instance, are you looking to build a legacy, create a better life for your family, or simply challenge yourself?Make your purpose bigger than the decision itself. When your “why” feels significant, quitting stops being an option.<h2 id="cdc8897c-6342-4e62-b5ff-b11adb1b9fc6" data-toc-id="cdc8897c-6342-4e62-b5ff-b11adb1b9fc6">2. Limit Your Choices</h2>The truth is, you don’t need every option under the sun. Choose two or three actionable paths and commit to one. Simplicity isn’t limiting—it’s empowering.<h2 id="e7216830-3505-45c2-b26e-f9301a660fcc" data-toc-id="e7216830-3505-45c2-b26e-f9301a660fcc">3. Set Non-Negotiables</h2>Start each day with three non-negotiable tasks. These are small but significant actions that push you closer to your goals. Whether it’s finishing a pitch deck, sending an important email, or even something as personal as hitting the gym, consistency builds momentum.<h2 id="b3352385-301e-4487-b02f-4467c865a38b" data-toc-id="b3352385-301e-4487-b02f-4467c865a38b">4. Train Yourself to Act Without Hesitation</h2>Want a quick way to train your brain? Take cold showers. Yes, you read that right. For years, I’ve started my mornings with a freezing-cold shower. It’s not about the cold—it’s about overriding that inner voice that says, “Don’t do it.” This small act of discipline sets the tone for the day.<h2 id="9d31fc75-dc47-485c-b224-3fa8016f3a31" data-toc-id="9d31fc75-dc47-485c-b224-3fa8016f3a31">5. Build Accountability</h2>We all need people who hold us accountable. Whether it’s a mentor, coach, or trusted friend, surrounding yourself with the right support system makes it harder to fall back into the comfort of indecision.<h2 id="4b4d0bef-3809-44d2-b941-040b63fb9a5c" data-toc-id="4b4d0bef-3809-44d2-b941-040b63fb9a5c">6. Celebrate Small Wins</h2>Every small step forward deserves recognition. Progress, no matter how minor, builds confidence and reinforces the habit of taking action.<h1 id="03f25b25-2703-42d2-8516-fee41da4312c" data-toc-id="03f25b25-2703-42d2-8516-fee41da4312c">The Comfort Zone: A Personal Reflection</h1>There was a time in my career when I hit a plateau. By all accounts, I was successful—booked regularly for events, appearing on TV, and steadily building my reputation. But something wasn’t right. I realised I’d been prioritising stability over growth.<h1 id="6bc3525d-351c-432b-9aea-a1d5c7d515b1" data-toc-id="6bc3525d-351c-432b-9aea-a1d5c7d515b1">Comfort had snuck in, and it was holding me back.</h1>That realisation was a turning point. I decided to shake things up and embrace discomfort. I took risks, made bolder decisions, and deliberately challenged myself. That one choice—to prioritise growth over safety—completely changed my trajectory.The takeaway? Choice keeps you safe. Commitment moves you forward.<h1 id="c9ccf3b5-063e-4727-9cd3-5c1084b65774" data-toc-id="c9ccf3b5-063e-4727-9cd3-5c1084b65774">Ready to Break Free from Indecision?</h1>If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the number of options in front of you, it’s time to simplify, commit, and act.One of the best ways to start is by improving your communication skills—a vital tool for building connections and confidence.<h1 id="91863300-c2b5-4f0d-b8bc-4ea01e56fc6a" data-toc-id="91863300-c2b5-4f0d-b8bc-4ea01e56fc6a">Struggling to start conversations?</h1>Unlock the secret to confidently connecting with anyone! Download my FREE 15-minute training and discover the Break The Ice 3-step formula that will help you start conversations effortlessly in any setting. Whether it’s business, social events, or casual encounters, this powerful formula will change the way you communicate.Ready to break through the fear and make meaningful connections? <a target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/4dTZZaz">Click here to get instant access! 👇</a><h1 id="0d16da34-e338-4c09-b935-1ed83888d995" data-toc-id="0d16da34-e338-4c09-b935-1ed83888d995">Let’s Stay Connected</h1>If you enjoyed this article, connect with me for more tips and insights:<ul><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Instagram:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/anthonylayespeaks"> @anthonylayespeaks</a></li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">YouTube:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/anthonylaye"> @anthonylaye</a></li><li style="color: rgb(55, 65, 81)">Website:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.anthonylaye.com"> anthonylaye.com</a></li></ul>For businesses looking to improve their team’s communication skills, or event organisers searching for an engaging and insightful speaker, I’d love to help. As a keynote speaker, behaviour expert, and coach, I help develop confident, high-impact leaders and teams. Let’s chat about how we can work together to bring your vision to life.

Having too many choices doesn’t lead to better decisions—it leads to inaction.

How to Make Good Decisions: Why Too Much Choice Is a Bad Thing

My Own Experience with Overcoming Choice Paralysis

4. Train Yourself to Act Without Hesitation

Comfort had snuck in, and it was holding me back.

Learn how to grow and scale your online course business using our online course platform. EzyCourse blog is designed to teach you how to create and sell online courses.

How to Make Good Decisions: Why Too Much Choice Is a Bad Thing

How to Make Good Decisions: Why Too Much Choice Is a Bad Thing

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