Both Stephanie and Esther (not their real names) are clients at clinical psychologist Dr Cindy Chan’s private practice. Both are experiencing decision paralysis, the inability to make a decision or take action.

“We are seeing more of it. I don’t know if it’s only in Hong Kong. People can go to an online shop and look at something 100 times without clicking the buy button. Exasperated by choice, they can delay the decision forever,” says Chan.

Decision paralysis, also known as “analysis paralysis”, is a global trend that has been making waves on TikTok and other social media. Posts of people paralysed by choice and unable to act have gone viral on these platforms.

While the huge selection available to today’s consumers combined with the ability to easily search online is a key factor in decision paralysis, some people are affected more than others.

Chan says those with obsessive-compulsive personality traits are more vulnerable. They are often perfectionists and have black and white, dichotomous thinking.

“In a culture [like Hong Kong] in which competition and perfectionism is common, then many people may have some obsessions about being perfect, making the right decision,” says Chan.

Candice Powell, chief executive of Hong Kong-based mental health charity Mind HK, says perfectionism is nurtured in a competitive society such as Hong Kong, where people strive for academic achievement.

Chan notes there is a tendency in Hong Kong and Asia more broadly to follow trends, even more so than in the West. People tend to follow their peers, whether it is in their choice of handbag or what colour to wear.

“To try to make their own decision and really choose something they want, they need to be more aware of following the trend, the herd attitude. Maybe we need to be more aware of our self, our own identity. This takes a lot of time and a lot of effort,” says Chan.

Take another of Chan’s clients who was paralysed by indecision over whether to take up the offer of a job at a new company or stay with her current employer and be promoted. She drew up a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of each move but was still no closer to a decision.

“People with obsessive compulsive personality traits usually do that. They come to the point where they can’t make a decision. They may be unable to tolerate the distress related to that decision,” says Chan.

“This process lengthens the decision time and can lead to unproductivity. They have intense anxiety making the decision, which can lead to catastrophic consequences,” says Powell.

Mrs Wong was so worried about making the wrong choice and being judged by other mothers for her poor selection that she missed the deadline.

So what can you do if you find yourself locked in analysis paralysis, unable to make a decision and move forward?

The first step – and it is always a good move – is self-care. Begin by reducing your stress levels, whether it is through music, movement or time spent in nature. Reducing stress supports mental clarity.

Next up, recognise that there is no absolute right or wrong. If we make a mistake it is OK – the consequences will not be as catastrophic as you fear.

Chan recommends reducing the number of options. Narrowing the choice – say by only looking at two brands and not every product available – and setting a reasonable deadline for making the decision will help in coping with what might otherwise feel overwhelming.

Learn to embrace uncertainty.

“Become aware of our common humanity. We are all human, there will be times when we are disappointed with our choice. We need to be open to new experiences and accept failure and making mistakes,” says Chan.

Meditation will also help you get in touch with your inner self. As you become more aware of your self-talk and self-doubt, you will be better able to calm that inner chatter.

Realising that was the block, she worked to overcome her fear – and accepted a position at the new firm.