#188 12 ways to make decision-making easier (and why people who hoard find it so hard to make decisions in the first place!)

Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticketSubscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Decision-making can be a huge stumbling block when you’re trying to tackle hoarding, from cognitive overload to perfectionism and decision fatigue. In this episode, I unpack why making choices about our belongings feels so overwhelming, what can go wrong if we avoid it, and I share practical strategies to make the process more manageable. If you find yourself stuck in analysis paralysis or endlessly putting off decisions, this one’s for you. Buy your copy of Everything You Need to Know About Hoarding by Dr Lynne Drummond at cambridge.org/EverythingHoarding, and get 20% off with the discount code HOARDING20. #ad Introduction to Decision Making and HoardingDecision making as a common issue among hoardersOverwhelm and avoidance connected to belongings and acquiring new itemsEpisode aims: understanding why decision making is hard, consequences of indecision, and strategies to helpWhy Decision Making is Difficult for People Who HoardCognitive OverloadToo many items to process, making each choice feel monumentalResulting in avoidance and deferral of decisionsAccumulation due to unresolved decisionsAnalysis ParalysisBeing stuck analysing endless options and outcomesDifficulty prioritising and overthinking decisionsExhaustion from mental effortInformation Processing ChallengesTrouble prioritising urgency and importanceStruggling to filter necessary versus unnecessary informationBeing trapped in unresolvable decision loopsEmotional BarriersPerfectionism and fear of making the wrong decisionCatastrophising possible negative outcomesAll-or-nothing thinking relating to perfectionismSentimental AttachmentStruggles with emotional connection to items (gifts, memories)Difficulty discerning genuine sentimental valueFear of the FutureAnxiety about future need or regret causing paralysisPreference for clinging to items over risking discomfortExecutive Function ChallengesDifficulties with planning, organising, prioritising, and initiating tasksImpact of poor working memory on decision makingConsequences of Avoiding DecisionsVicious Cycle of ProcrastinationAccumulation of clutter, increased overwhelm and fatiguePractical ImplicationsSafety hazards and restricted home usageSocial isolation and relationship strain due to inability to hostEmotional ImpactStress, depression, guilt, and shameFinancial ConsequencesExtra spending, buying duplicates, damage or loss of items, missed bills and penaltiesBuilding Negative Self-PerceptionsBelief in inability to decide reinforces avoidanceDeclining self-trust and self-esteemStrategies and Techniques for Improving Decision MakingIdentify Resistance and Mental BlocksQuestioning internal "nope" responsesUnderstanding fears or overwhelming factors behind avoidanceTreat Decisions as ExperimentsLowering pressure by seeing outcomes as learning experiencesAvoiding a pass/fail mindsetMake Micro-DecisionsStarting with low-stakes, emotionally neutral itemsBuilding decision-making confidence ("decision muscle")Utilise Support SystemsSeeking feedback or accountability from friends, family, organisers, or therapistsSense-checking and encouragement from othersClarify Values and PrioritiesAligning decisions with personal goals (e.g., hospitality, functionality, beauty)Using values as a decision compassSet Time LimitsImposing limits per decision to prevent overthinkingAdjusting duration as confidence improvesAccept “Good Enough” DecisionsAllowing for adequacy over perfectionChallenging double standards around self-expectations versus othersReduce Number of ChoicesLimiting possible options (e.g., keep/throw/donate)Pre-determining criteria to streamline choicesReality ChecksProbing feelings of “I might need it” with practical questionsReviewing usage frequency and functionalityIncrease Awareness of AvoidanceNoticing procrastination and avoidance behavioursEvaluating the significance of indecision as a barrierBuild Tolerance for Uncertainty and DiscomfortAccepting that discomfort is part of life, and not deciding brings other difficultiesGradually practicing sitting with uncertaintyPractice Consistency in Decision MakingIncorporating daily decision-making habitsGently challenging avoidance and celebrating each choice madeDecision-making is a learnable, improvable skillThe importance of starting small and practicing imperfect decisionsBuilding self-trust and confidence through repeated practiceEncouragement to challenge avoidance and recognise growth with each decision Links Buy your copy of Everything You Need to Know About Hoarding by Dr Lynne Drummond at cambridge.org/EverythingHoarding, and get 20% off with the discount code HOARDING20.Podcast ep 172: Harriet Impey on clearing out her parents’ very full home, through family ...