Why Do We Sit on the Fence? 5 Reasons We Delay Taking Action
We’ve all been there - stuck between a decision and a dream. Thinking, weighing, circling the idea. You want to move forward, but you’re not quite ready to leap.
So you sit on the fence.
Not because you’re lazy. Not because you don’t care. But because something’s holding you in place. Sitting on the fence is a common experience, and understanding why it happens can help you break free.
In my work, I meet many people with brilliant ideas, goals, and intentions. However, I also see the weight of indecision - and how it keeps people from truly moving forward. Many are searching for why people don’t take action or how to get unstuck in life.
Let’s look at five common reasons people sit on the fence, and what you can do to shift into action gently.
1. Fear of Making the Wrong Choice
Fear is a powerful freeze button. We overthink, overanalyse, and convince ourselves that we need more certainty before we act. This is a key reason for procrastination. However, the truth is that clarity often comes through action, not before it.
Try this: What’s one small step you can take that feels low-risk? Start there. Confidence grows in motion. Focus on taking small steps towards goals instead of waiting for perfect certainty.
2. Perfectionism
If it can’t be done right, we tell ourselves, then maybe it shouldn’t be done yet. Overcoming perfectionism is crucial because it convinces us that conditions must be ideal or that we need more time, more information, more polish.
Try this: Let progress be the goal, not perfection. Action creates momentum - not the other way around.
3. Overwhelm or Decision Fatigue
When you’ve got too much on your plate or too many options, it’s natural to freeze. Even something you want to do can feel like just another heavy task. Many people search for how to beat decision fatigue because it directly blocks taking action.
Try this: Choose just one thing to move forward with this week. Make it small. Make it doable. Tick it off. Relief and motivation often follow clarity.
4. Fear of Judgement or Failure
What will people think if I try and it doesn’t work? Or worse…what if it does work, and I actually have to show up in a bigger way? This is a common reason people don’t take action - fear of judgement and failure.
Try this: Remember that everyone you admire once had a “first time.” Fear of judgement is real, but you can choose to honour your growth over someone else’s opinion.
5. You’re Not Actually Ready (and That’s Okay)
Sometimes we’re not sitting on the fence out of fear or avoidance. Sometimes it’s a quiet inner knowing that we’re still gathering strength, healing, or preparing for what’s next. This is another reason why people get stuck in life and search for how to get unstuck in life.
Try this: Be honest with yourself - do you need a pause, or are you stuck in a loop? If it’s a pause, take it intentionally. If it’s a loop, break it with one small action.
Here’s What I Want You to Know
If you’re sitting on the fence right now, you’re not alone. There’s no shame in taking your time. But if you’re circling the same thoughts over and over, and the only thing stopping you is you, then maybe it’s time to lean in.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. When you’re ready to move forward, I’m here with tools, support, and a clear path to help you take action - at your pace. No pressure. Just possibility.
Please let me know when you’re ready to get started!
Reflection Prompt:
What decision or goal have you been circling lately?
What’s the real reason you haven’t taken action?
What’s one gentle step you could take this week?
