Sometimes the Best Decision Is Not to Decide

Most decision-making advice is about deciding faster, more confidently, more effectively. That's usually right. But not always.

Sometimes the best move is to wait.

When Waiting Makes Sense

When critical information is coming. If you'll know something important next week that you don't know today, waiting isn't procrastination—it's sensible. Don't decide in the dark when light is arriving.

When emotions are running high. Decisions made in the grip of strong emotion—positive or negative—often look different later. "Sleep on it" exists for a reason.

When the situation is still evolving. Some contexts are too unstable to decide in. Choosing a direction while the landscape is shifting means you might optimize for conditions that no longer exist by the time you act.

When waiting costs less than deciding wrong. If the downside of waiting is small and the downside of a bad decision is large, patience is the right strategy.

Waiting vs. Avoidance

There's a difference between strategic patience and procrastination. Helpful waiting has a plan; avoidance doesn't.

Ask yourself:

• Am I waiting for something specific, or just hoping the decision will go away?
• Is there a point at which I'll decide regardless?
• Am I gathering useful information, or just circling the same thoughts?

If you're waiting indefinitely with no endpoint in mind, you're not being patient. You're avoiding.

The Optionality Trap

Sometimes we avoid deciding to "keep our options open." This feels smart—all doors remain available.

But optionality has costs:

• Mental energy from carrying an unresolved decision
• Missed opportunities while you wait
• The stress of perpetual uncertainty
• Sometimes, options expire while you hesitate

Keeping options open is only valuable if you're genuinely gaining clarity. If you're just deferring discomfort, you're paying a real price for fake flexibility.

Setting Decision Deadlines

If you're going to wait, make it intentional:

"I will decide by [specific date]." "I'm waiting to learn [specific information]." "Once [specific condition is met], I'll choose."

This transforms vague waiting into purposeful patience. You're not avoiding the decision—you're deliberately timing it.

When You're Being Asked to Decide

Sometimes others want an answer before you're ready to give one. That's okay. "I need more time" is a valid response.

If they can't wait, that tells you something about them or the situation. If they can wait, you get the space you need.

You don't owe anyone a premature decision.

The Art of Timing

Good decision-making isn't just about making the right choice—it's about making it at the right time.

Sometimes that means deciding quickly before opportunities vanish. Sometimes that means waiting for clarity before committing.

The skill is knowing which situation you're in.