We all face decisions every day — some small (what to eat for lunch), some life-changing (choosing a career path, ending a relationship). But for some people, even simple decisions feel terrifying. In Scandinavian slang, such a person might be called a beslutningskylling, literally a “decision chicken.”

If you feel paralyzed when faced with choices, avoid decisions out of fear of failure, or let others decide for you, this article is for you. We’ll explore what beslutningskylling really means, why it happens, and — most importantly — how you can overcome it.

What Does Beslutningskylling Mean?

The term combines:

• beslutning = decision

• kylling = chicken (slang for someone who is cowardly or scared)

So a beslutningskylling is someone who avoids making decisions, often due to anxiety, perfectionism, fear of mistakes, or lack of confidence.

This behavior can range from harmless procrastination to a serious problem that affects relationships, career, and well-being.

The Psychology of Indecision

Why do some people become beslutningskyllinger? Here are some psychological factors behind decision avoidance:

1. Fear of Failure

The fear that you’ll make the “wrong” choice and regret it later.

2. Perfectionism

Wanting to make the “perfect” choice can paralyze you, because perfection rarely exists.

3. Overwhelm

Too many options can create decision fatigue, making it harder to choose anything.

4. Fear of Responsibility

If you decide and things go wrong, you feel accountable — so you’d rather not decide.

5. Low Self-Confidence

Doubting your ability to make good choices can lead to avoidance.

Signs You Might Be a Beslutningskylling

•  You ask others to decide for you, even on trivial matters.
•  You overthink every option and feel anxious instead of excited.
•  You delay decisions until the last minute or avoid them completely.
•  You feel regret after making a choice, even if nothing went wrong.
•  You let opportunities slip away because you couldn’t decide in time.

How Being a Beslutningskylling Affects Your Life

Chronic indecisiveness doesn’t just hold you back — it can actively harm your quality of life.

Personal Growth 

You miss out on opportunities for learning and growth if you never take risks.

Relationships

Partners, friends, and colleagues may get frustrated if you can’t commit to plans or choices.

Mental Health

Constant anxiety and self-criticism can lead to stress, depression, and burnout.

Career

Indecision at work can make you seem unreliable or incapable of leadership.

Why Do Decisions Feel So Hard?

Here are some reasons decisions can feel so overwhelming:

The Paradox of Choice

Having more options doesn’t always make us happier — it can actually create anxiety and paralysis.

Emotional Investment

The more important the decision, the more pressure you feel to “get it right.”

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Worrying that choosing one option means losing out on all the others.

How to Stop Being a Beslutningskylling

Here are 10 proven strategies to overcome decision anxiety and build confidence in your choices.

1. Start Small

Practice making quick decisions on small, low-stakes matters — like what to wear or what to eat.

2. Limit Your Options

Narrow your choices down to 2–3 realistic options instead of overwhelming yourself with dozens.

3. Set Deadlines

Give yourself a reasonable time limit to make a choice, then commit and move on.

4. Focus on “Good Enough”

Perfection is the enemy of progress. Aim for a choice that’s “good enough,” not flawless.

5. Accept That Mistakes Happen

Even bad decisions teach you valuable lessons — and most mistakes are fixable.

6. Tune Into Your Values

Ask yourself which option aligns most closely with your long-term goals and values.

7. Trust Your Gut

Intuition can be a powerful guide — don’t dismiss your feelings entirely.

8. Get Feedback (But Don’t Outsource the Choice)

Seek advice, but make sure the final decision is yours.

9. Practice Mindfulness

Learning to quiet your mind through meditation can reduce anxiety and help you think clearly.

10. Visualize the Outcomes

Imagine what your life looks like after each choice — this can clarify which option feels right.

Real-Life Examples of Overcoming Indecision

Example 1: Career Change

Mia was stuck in a job she hated but terrified to switch careers. By talking to mentors, writing down pros and cons, and setting a deadline, she finally applied for new roles and landed her dream job.

Example 2: Relationship Dilemma

Jonas couldn’t decide whether to stay in an unhappy relationship. With the help of a therapist and reflection on his values, he chose to end it — and felt relieved afterward.

Example 3: Daily Decisions

Sara used to spend hours agonizing over what to cook every evening. She started planning meals on Sundays, limiting her choices and freeing up mental space during the week.

When to Seek Professional Help

If indecisiveness is seriously interfering with your life — leading to missed opportunities, strained relationships, or constant anxiety — it might be time to talk to a therapist or counselor. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you identify thought patterns and build confidence in decision-making.

Tips for Supporting a Beslutningskylling

If someone you care about struggles with decisions:

• Be patient — avoid pressuring them.

• Offer guidance, not directives.

• Encourage small wins to build confidence.

• Remind them that mistakes are okay.

Common Myths About Decision-Making

Myth 1: “There’s always a right and wrong choice.”

Reality: Most decisions have multiple acceptable outcomes.

Myth 2: “Taking longer guarantees a better decision.”

Reality: Overthinking often leads to worse decisions and more stress.

Myth 3: “Other people know better than I do.”

Reality: You are the best expert on your own life.

FAQs About Beslutningskylling

Q1: What is a beslutningskylling?

A beslutningskylling is someone who avoids making decisions because of fear, anxiety, or low confidence. The word comes from Scandinavian slang for “decision chicken.”

Q2: Is being indecisive a mental disorder?

Not necessarily. Everyone feels indecisive sometimes. But chronic indecision might indicate anxiety, perfectionism, or low self-esteem.

Q3: How can I stop being afraid of making decisions?

Start small, set deadlines, focus on “good enough,” and learn to accept mistakes as part of the process.

Q4: Can therapy help with indecision?

Yes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and coaching can be very effective in addressing underlying fears and building confidence.

Q5: Why do I always regret my choices?

This often stems from perfectionism and unrealistic expectations. Practicing self-compassion and gratitude can help you feel more at peace with your decisions.

Conclusion

We all feel like a beslutningskylling at some point — it’s human nature to fear making mistakes. But chronic indecision can hold you back from living your best life. By understanding the roots of your decision anxiety and practicing the strategies outlined above, you can become more confident, decisive, and resilient.

Remember: no decision is perfect — and that’s okay. The important thing is to move forward, learn from your choices, and trust yourself.

So next time you’re faced with a choice, take a deep breath… and decide. 🐥

Suggested Call to Action

Are you ready to stop being a beslutningskylling? Try one of the strategies today and share your experience in the comments below!