Chronic “Maybe” Syndrome Part Two: the remedy

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THE REMEDY: Many times the symptoms of Chronic Maybe Syndrome (CMS) can be alleviated simply by recognizing what is causing them and things will calm down instantly.

As stated in part one, the factors of individual initiative (thrust) and self-discipline (velocity), plus a willingness to experience whatever is necessary to accomplish anything worthwhile are often all that is required to be free of chronic maybe syndrome.

In other cases, a more complete treatment is required, as follows.

1. PREPARATION.  Get a pad of paper.  On one sheet of paper, think of some area in your life – now, or in the past – where you were unable to decide one way or the other.  Now think of another, and another, then write them down, each one on a separate piece of paper.  Continue to search out every time you’ve been unable to make a decision or have been stuck in a maybe until you get them all.

2) IDENTIFICATION: Now, pick up one of the pieces of paper and ask yourself, “What is it?” Identify exactly what you’re stuck on; give it a name.  Don’t do anything yet, just name it.

3) DECISION:  Next  decide on one of the following four actions to take on that each  item in turn:
a.  Do it
b.  Delay it
c.  Delegate it
d.  Drop it

4)  ACTION: Once you have chosen one of the four options, take that action now.

TIPS ON THE FOUR ACTION STEPS:

DO IT – This means to make the decision now.  Even if the “maybe” was in the past, make the decision and get it over with.  If you still can’t decide, then draw a line down the middle of the paper, and write all the positives of this decision on one side of the line, and on the other side, all the negatives, so that you look at both sides of the maybe. Then for each side, ask yourself, “What would happen if I did this?” for each side in turn.  Go back and forth until you can come to a decision.  Then take that action.

DELAY IT – This means that something can’t be done immediately.  The action is to identify what it is, then decide what is the very next step that you’re going to take and when you’re going to take it.  Write this action and the date on a sticky note and put it on the top of the paper so it will remind you of what you have already decided to do and when you’re going to do it.  Then put it in a place where it won’t be forgotten or neglected and do it when the proper time comes to do so.

DELEGATE IT – This action is taken when you have identified something that really isn’t your decision to make but you’re still stuck with it.  If it belongs to someone else, decide who this belongs to, give it to them, and get it off your plate.

DROP IT – This action is the easiest and most satisfying.  After you’ve identified it and decided it should be dumped, then get rid of it now.  Drop it, physically and mentally.

We’ve all got the same amount of time to work with.  What you do right now with the time you have is creating the future that you’ll be living with tomorrow – for better or for worse. Make it what you want. Don’t wait. Do it now.

Remember that it’s always better to make a decision than to have your life stuck on pause. Being stuck in the middle, on a maybe, is in fact your worst enemy.

You will find that once you make a decision, things start to change for the better.  The universe starts to align with what you have decided rather than the reverse.  And be alert to not pick up any new maybes along the way.

Finally, once you have observed carefully, don’t be afraid to just decide and act, it’s not all that scary when you get used to it and it’s a lot more fun!

daniel w. jacobs
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