You ever do something and then immediately after start to regret it? Perhaps you’ve bought something costly and then wondered later whether it was really worth the expense. Or maybe you picked that one college, job or partner and started to question whether the other choice was better. The bad feeling that comes with choosing is called post-decisional dissonance. It’s one of those common human experiences that early child development research has only recently shed light on, because there’s virtually nothing more universal than a parent second-guessing his or her communication choices.

What Is Post-Decisional Dissonance?

An post decisional dissonance is the mental stress we feel when we make a choice, particularly if that decision becomes clouded by doubt. It’s rooted in the theory of cognitive dissonance developed by the psychologist Leon Festinger. Cognitive dissonance occurs when our beliefs, ideas or behaviours fail to square with one another, fermenting mental tension.

Alternatively, post-decisional dissonance is feeling uncertain once you’ve chosen between two or more good options. For instance imagine you had bought a new car. You thought you loved it until you saw another one for sale, and now: “Maybe I should have waited.” That sick-to-your-stomach regret is post-decisional dissonance.

Why Does It Happen?

We regularly encounter post-decisional dissonance as it is an universal part of decision-making since most decisions are trade-offs. No choice is perfect. There is usually a good and an ungood to every option. Once we decide, we begin to focus on what we may have missed out on by not choosing the other option.

Below are some of the reasons that this happens:

• Fear of missing out (FOMO): We are concerned that there was a better opportunity.
• Perfectionism: We crave every decision to be 100% correct.
• Nothing but thoughts: We are stuck overanalyzing our decision, second-guessing what we chose.
• Social pressure: we care too much about what others think of our decisions.
• Lack of confidence: we lack full trust in our judgment or instinct.

And as these feelings blend, we get into that no-man’s land of regret and doubt that is familiar to us. I’m Not Supported That You Have Post-Decisional Disharmony It might be hard to realize when we are in post-decisional disharmony since we’ve become accustomed to certain methods of conducting business before we become conscious of it. A few signs are as follows: * Following the decision, you continue to second-guess yourself. * A pick puts you on edge or makes you nervous.

Consult a professional.

• All day, you just want everyone’s opinion.
• What you’ve given up is more important to you than what you’ve gained.
• You assess your situation based on other people’s decisions.

You could be struggling to juggle emotions and thoughts situation if you experience any of these symptoms. How to Overcome Post-Decisional Resonance You cannot avoid these conflicting feelings all the time, but you can cope with them in other ways. Here are a few ideas for attaining peace and harmony following a decision. * Accept the fact that no judgment or decision a day is completely sound. When you understand this, you can relax, release the strain, strain, tension, without having to make the most acceptable selection; and delight in the fact that there is no such thing as a perfect choice. There is no perfect selection, only alternatives.

Stop Comparing Alternatives

But obsessing always about what you didn’t take gets you nowhere. The alternative might have appeared more attractive from the outside, but it would also have been fraught. Focus on who you’re becoming and enjoying the journey instead of looking back.

Give It Time

Regret and doubt tends to dissipate over time. Your confidence will grow when you begin living with your decision and reaping the results. Have faith that clarity will emerge with patience.

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Softly, slowly speak with people who share your values and ambitions. They can be the cheerleaders who remind you of the good that has come from your decision. And sometimes, hearing positivity from others can help you shut up your inner critic.

Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude

If you find yourself drifting into “what if” territory, return that brain to the here and now. Be present in the here and now by living mindfully. Gratitude works too — consider the good that has come from your decision and be grateful for it.

Learn from Every Decision

Not all of them will bring you success, and that’s fine. Every decision is a valuable lesson about you, your wants and your needs. Instead of regret, think of your choices as the experiences that have shaped you into who you are becoming.

Finding Inner Clarity

” Inner clarity To look within, you have to trust yourself. Your mind becomes more at peace when you have faith in your own capacity to make gentle decisions. You cease dwelling on past decisions and start planning a brighter future.

Clarity doesn’t translate to always being certain about everything. It means taking the next step with confidence, even when you do not have all of the answers. You’ll make choices that demonstrate self-trust, knowing you can deal with what transpires.

Final Thoughts

Postdecisional dissonance is part of life. We are all a little unsure or doubtful after we decide something sometimes. What matters most is how you react to those feelings. Rather than get mired in regret, opt to accept your decision, learn from it and move on.

You don’t have to even make the right choice — you just have to make a true one. Every choice you make molds who you are — and points toward the person you’re becoming.