The real reason you overthink decisions - emotional regulation #shorts

When you get overwhelmed by making a choice, when you can’t decide between A and B, you often settle for C or you end up paralyzed, procrastinating, or making no decision at all. In this video you’ll learn the 3 underlying causes of decision paralysis, and 2 keys to overcoming it. And I'll give you a hint, it has to do with emotion regulation and executive functioning.
Frieda’s story is the epitome of decision paralysis. Decision paralysis is when you get overwhelmed with a complicated decision, or a simple one. Deciding “What should I major in at college?” or “Where should we eat tonight?” might make you freeze up, you might avoid it, overthink it, delay it, or constantly second guess your choice. This can lead to choice fatigue, you might feel exhausted or just give up on college or eating out that night.
Or you might procrastinate, instead of just picking the topic for that one huge assignment, you do a ton of little tasks that aren’t important. Or you spend time watching shows or on social media- anything you can to avoid dealing with that overwhelming decision.

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

[Lolxoxoxo]

Trying to find the course about anxiety at the end

[ellengrace]

Tied into this is believing there’s a “right” choice and not wanting to make the “wrong” choice. For most difficult decisions, there is no “right” choice (or it probably wouldn’t be a difficult decision as the choice would be more obvious). For most decisions, there’s a choice that leads to this outcome and a choice that leads to that outcome. Neither one is necessarily right or wrong, just different outcomes.

[catherineswan]

Great information! I love her seating arrangement….. That would’ve been something I would’ve over-thought🤣

[DonnaAndCats]

Omg. Hard to admit but this is spot on. I think I have near-constant Analysis Paralysis. 😢

[nikkiroberg]

Thank you!!! I have been so frustrated with myself around a lot of decision-making, both big and small, and your explanation helps me understand it.

[rivkakolodny]

Nailed it! I always thought I was indecisive because it was complicated but you are so so so right - I'm just terrified of the negative feelings if the decision goes south! Thank you for that clarity, it's a real game changer!

[connie]

🎉Emma, you are amazing at diving into the ROOT CAUSE of overthinking, etc.
I also find it helpful... to get it out of my head & put on paper; yet put it in a question format. It can be regards to the same concern; yet ONE question is a YES or NO format.

The other question... I ask in an Open-Ended format. Then I draw a line waiting for my Inner Spirit/Holy Spirit/God/Universe to provide the answer.

The answer may not come at that moment. It may come later when my mind is more relaxed or after walk in nature, jog, taking bath, etc.

EXPECT the answer to present itself sooner or later ❤

[nathaliej]

Your comments and thoughts are so invaluable.

[joshuapowner]

So happy you made this channel as a resource to everyone! 🎉

[jesse_campbell]

The rocking horse is the perfect metaphor.

[farmpunk_dan]

Makes so much sense. I have been finally finding my way out of a state of chronic overwhelm and noticing I also have more tolerance for this kind of discomfort now. It doesn’t push me over the edge like it used to.

[celinar]

Thanks so much for this. Without this channel I’d be lost.

[AnnMitt]

I need to learn Stress Tolerance. Your explanation touched my heart.

[lindahoover]

Truly I heard everything you said. I had to mention I enjoyed your choice of seat. It made me smile. Especially how natural it was for you just to take a seat. Love it.😊

[LivingWorstLife]

I like your energy and enthusiasm! And yeah, I'm an over-thinker/wacky emotional regulator. Nailed it. 😁

[NorahsYarnArt]

Two thing helped with making decisions 1. It’s ok to fail/ make a bad decision. 2. I now have a failure checklist of things to do after failing something to make sure I never get stuck again- moving forward is key- course correction is available at all time but the most important thing is to keep moving forward.

[interdimensionalsailboat]

I skipped out on a path to walk during my hike that looked beautiful because i wanted to get back sooner in light of my feet killing me.
I already felt really bad after i made that decision, then i ended up in another beautiful path.
I associated the decision not to go longer with weakness or missing out ( and a couple other more personal details.)
I can now barely stand on my feet and they look physically beat.
I made the right call!

[ilax]

I have been indecisive my entire life., Hope I can find my courage and turn my life in a better direction. I know it will give me peace.

[SolariaEsoterica]

Just watch your video with Jono today. This fits. Absolutely ❤

[Ytviews]

You actually shared the real reason correctly. I myself have to make a big decision and making the Pros and cons list thing suggested by my therapist is not helping me at all. Maybe that's the reason.