I often say there is no such thing as a wrong decision. I say this because to me the goal in life is not a destination but a process. Every decision we make allows us to have experiences which allow us to grow and become better and more complete versions of ourselves.

I need, however, to revise my thinking. I now think there is one wrong decision we can make. I say “wrong” in the sense of slowing down the purpose for which I believe we exist – to grow and evolve.

I bike to and from work every day, and in doing so I often pass people either walking or just gathering. One thing I continually notice is that many people don’t pay attention to what they are doing. They are either walking with their heads down, texting or daydreaming. The effect of this is that I have trouble making decisions about passing them because I can’t anticipate what they are going to do.

It got me to thinking that when people are indecisive they cog up evolution. We evolve and grow through our decisions. Our decisions affect not only us, but everyone around us. When others are decisive it makes our decisions easier because there is some element of permanency from which we can decide. When others are indecisive, it makes our decisions harder because the conditions around us are in flux. For example with my biking if those around me are decisive and paying attention to what they are doing, they typically act in consistent manner so I will how to get around them. However, when they are indecisive, they tend to zig-zag in an irregular pattern and I can’t make a decision. I become stuck by their indecision.

If life is a game, and the goal is growth and evolution, indecision is the “injury” that restricts us from effectively competing.

Timothy Velner is a husband, father, attorney and author living in Minneapolis. You can follow his daily blog – a series of discussions between the worry-self and the present-self at – thespiritualgym.me