The Cost of Indecision: How Leaders Get Stuck—and What It’s Costing You
For years, I had a decision-making problem.
Not the kind that comes from poor judgment or recklessness—the kind that comes from overthinking.
I’d sit, think, plan, research, and plan some more. Every decision needed more data, more insight, more proof that it was the “right” one. I called it being thorough. Truthfully, it was fear disguised as preparation.
I can’t count the number of opportunities I missed while waiting to feel ready.
Then something shifted.
When ChatGPT came onto the scene, something in me knew this was worth exploring. I didn’t overanalyze, I didn’t overplan—I dove in. I learned, experimented, failed forward, and shared what I discovered. That one quick decision changed the trajectory of my business and opened new doors I couldn’t have imagined.
Now, I make decisions differently. Faster. With trust. With curiosity.
The Three Types of Decision Makers
Most leaders fall into one of these patterns:
The Analyzer
You gather data, consult experts, and think through every possible outcome. The upside: you’re thorough. The downside: you can get stuck in research mode, waiting for the “perfect” moment that never comes.The Reactor
You move fast—sometimes too fast. You trust your gut, but don’t always pause long enough to assess the ripple effects. You often fix things later instead of preventing issues up front.The Aligner
You gather enough information to make a sound choice, but you also check in with your intuition and your vision. You decide based on clarity and conviction, not pressure or fear.
The Aligner doesn’t overthink—but doesn’t rush either. This is where the best leadership decisions come from.
How Indecision Impacts Your Life and Business
Indecision isn’t neutral. It costs you time, energy, and opportunities.
Here’s what it quietly erodes:
Momentum: The longer you wait, the heavier action feels.
Confidence: Constant second-guessing trains your mind to doubt itself.
Trust: Teams lose faith when leaders hesitate or change direction repeatedly.
Innovation: Progress favors the willing, not the waiting.
Every “I’ll think about it” is a moment you trade movement for safety—and safety doesn’t build impact.
Breaking Free from Analysis Paralysis
If you find yourself stuck, here are a few steps to get moving again:
Set a Decision Deadline.
Give yourself a time frame to decide—24 hours, a week—then commit. Clarity comes from doing, not waiting.Use the 70% Rule.
If you’re 70% sure and aligned with your vision, move forward. Perfectionism is just procrastination in a prettier outfit.Trust Your Patterns.
Look at past wins—what led to them? Most likely, you made a confident, timely choice. Let that history guide you.Let Curiosity Lead.
Replace “What if it fails?” with “What might I learn?” That shift alone can move you out of fear and into growth.
Decision-making is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Leaders who decide with clarity and conviction aren’t fearless—they’ve just learned that momentum is worth more than certainty.
And sometimes, the decision that changes everything begins with a simple yes.
About the Author
Laura Templeton is the Founder and Chief Instigator of 30 Second Success®, speaker, and author of 30 Second Success: Ditch the Pitch & Start Connecting!, Stand in Your Brand, and Compassionate Leadership. With over 25 years of experience in marketing and brand communication, she helps purpose-driven professionals and business owners communicate with clarity, confidence, and compassion. A believer and lifelong learner, Laura integrates faith, authenticity, and innovation into everything she teaches.
Connect with Laura and explore more insights at 30SecondSuccess.com or subscribe to her weekly newsletter, Just a Second…, for inspiration and leadership lessons that help you make every second count.
