decision paralysis

Ever opened a food delivery app, scrolled through dozens of restaurants, and still couldn’t decide what to eat? Or stood in a grocery store aisle, staring at ten different brands of the same product, unsure which one to pick?

This is choice overload, and it’s exhausting.

Psychologists have found that the more options we have, the harder it is to decide. We hesitate, overthink, and keep wondering if we should’ve picked something else.

In a famous study, researchers set up a jam-tasting table at a supermarket. One day, they offered six flavors. Another day, they offered twenty-four.

What happened? More people stopped when there were more options—but fewer actually bought anything. The overload made it harder to commit. Or in fancy terms: it led to decision paralysis.

Now, imagine this isn’t just about jam or takeout. What happens when choice overload affects life’s big decisions?

• Choosing a career path.

• Deciding on a city to move to.

• Buying a home or a car.

• Finding the right person to marry.

These choices shape our lives, and unlike a bad Netflix pick, there’s no easy undo button. The more we think about the ‘what-ifs,’ the more we get stuck.

What if you regret your choice? What if there was a better option?

Islam has a solution for this: it's called Istikhara.

Istikhara is a special prayer for making big decisions. When you’re stuck between choices, you ask Allah to guide you toward what’s best. Who better to decide than the One who knows everything, right?

Here’s an important note here: You most likely won’t receive a supernatural sign, but you will find clarity in subtle ways.

Here's how it works:

• Make your best effort. Research, weigh your options, and narrow it down to what seems right.

• Pray two rakaat (nafl).

• Recite the dua for Istikhara, asking Allah to guide you toward the right choice and steer you away if it’s not good for you.

• Move forward with your decision. If the path opens up smoothly, that’s a good sign. If obstacles keep appearing, maybe it's best to reconsider.

People get stuck in big decisions because they fear regret. They want certainty before making a move… but life doesn’t work that way. And Istikhara isn’t about certainty either; it’s about trust in God.

Remember, friend, you’re not supposed to have all the answers before deciding. You're just supposed to do your best and trust in Allah SWT.

Ps. If the idea of endless choices and "what could have been" fascinates you, check out The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

It’s a great book about a woman overwhelmed with regret, who gets to explore the lives she could have lived.