The middle lane on a highway was designed to make it safer for a driver to pass a slower vehicle, but some drivers insist on stubbornly hogging it. Middle-lane hoggers caused such an outcry in Britain a few years ago, that the government introduced a penalty for the offence – a £100 fine and points on your licence.

Middle-lane hoggers are a little like those who perpetually live in indecision. Agonising over a choice and refusing to commit, they remain stagnant and unhappy because they lack the courage to pick a lane.

Someone once said

“Decisions have consequences. Indecision more so”.

Although keeping your options open may seem like a good idea, it can lead to stagnation, fear, anxiety and a lack of accomplishment. Rather than feel remorse for making a bad decision, most people are overcome by regret for their lack of action. A perceived wrong decision often brings about better results than no decision at all.

Rather than frustrating everyone on the road with your slow driving in the middle lane, or wallowing in indecision, here’s how you can move towards making a choice:

  • Make decisions based around your values. Making firm decisions will be easier when you’re clear about what matters to you and what you believe.
  • Grow your self-confidence. Know where and how you add value and trust your intuition.
  • There’s no such thing as perfect. You can only hazard a guess as to the consequences of the decision you make but one thing you can be sure of, there will be some good and some bad. Perfect outcomes simply don’t exist.
  • Make sure your decision is a reflection of you, based on the values that are important to you. Don’t make a decision based on what others will think of you.
  • Get the outside perspective of someone who knows you. Someone you trust and respect.
  • If you’re stuck in indecision because you fear the challenges, look rather to the opportunities your choice brings. If you can list a few good opportunities that will come from this change, then go for it.

If you have made a choice that’s impacted negatively on you and your loved ones:

  • Accept what’s happened, say sorry to those you’ve hurt and forgive yourself.
  • Find the positives.
  • Learn from your mistakes and move on.