Why do I feel like I can't make decisions?

Difficulty making decisions can stem from several psychological patterns that make choice feel overwhelming or dangerous. identity development/perfectionism-how-to-let-go" class="internal-link">perfectionism is often at the root of decision paralysis - when you believe there's one perfect choice and making the wrong decision will have catastrophic consequences, even simple choices can feel impossibly weighty. You might spend excessive time researching options, seeking others' opinions, or analyzing potential outcomes because you're trying to guarantee the best possible result. Fear of making mistakes can also paralyze decision-making, especially if you've been criticized harshly for past choices or if you tend to ruminate on decisions that didn't turn out as expected. This fear can make you avoid making decisions altogether or constantly second-guess yourself after choices are made. Analysis paralysis occurs when you have too much information or too many options, making it difficult to weigh all the factors and come to a conclusion. Modern life often presents us with an overwhelming array of choices that our brains aren't evolutionarily equipped to handle efficiently. Low self-building confidence can also interfere with decision-making by making you doubt your judgment and ability to handle the consequences of your choices. You might feel like you don't know yourself well enough to predict what will make you happy, or worry that you'll regret whatever you choose. Past experiences of having your decisions overruled or criticized can also create learned helplessness around choice-making. Sometimes decision difficulty stems from not being clear about your values and priorities, making it hard to evaluate options against meaningful criteria. Major depressive disorder and Anxiety disorder can also impair decision-making by affecting concentration, building confidence, and the ability to imagine positive outcomes. To improve decision-making, start with small, low-stakes choices and practice trusting your instincts. Remember that most decisions are reversible or adjustable, and that making an imperfect choice is usually better than making no choice at all. Focus on making decisions that align with your values rather than trying to predict perfect outcomes.