“I Don’t Care!” (The Epidemic of Indecision)

A Parent’s Confession

I’m not a perfect parent—but I’ll never stop trying.

During a recent conversation with my daughters, something clicked—something that tied back to the

accountability workshops I’ve facilitated around the world.

It made me pause and ask myself: Why did it take me this long to notice?

🤔 The “I Don’t Care” Epidemic

Life is full of decisions—and then people have the nerve to ask questions! Big ones. Small ones. Sometimes irrelevant (or just plain annoying) ones:

●       What do you want to do?

●       Where should we go?

●       Where do you want to eat?

●       What movie should we watch?

●       What game should we play?

●       Which game piece do you want to be?

(All hypothetical examples, of course.)

The most common response to all of the above?

“I don’t care.”

And yes—I get it. I’ve said it too. But when you hear it too often, something shifts.

🔄 When “I Don’t Care” Becomes a Habit

When someone says “I don’t care” once, it might just be a convenience.

But when it becomes a default response, it starts to send a different message:

That they truly don’t care—about the decision, the situation, or their own voice.

And if they don’t care… why should anyone else?

At some point, this passive response becomes a habit. And habits shape mindsets.

A Lazy Thinking… or Fear of Judgment?

Sometimes, “I don’t care” isn’t apathy—it’s fear.

Fear of making the wrong decision. Fear of being judged.

Fear of disappointing someone.

It’s easier to stay neutral than to risk being wrong.

Ironically, it may be your empathy working against you.

Everyone wants to be the editor. Very few want to be the author.

(And yes, that applies to far more than writing.)

If we keep letting people—especially kids—off the hook from making decisions (big or small), they start to believe they can’t make decisions.

And then… they don’t.

Also? “I don’t care” is just too darn negative. 

New Rule(s)… Kinda

So I tried something.

New Rule:

If anyone says “I don’t care,” they must write “I Really DO Care” 1,000 times.

Okay—A bit extreme. Does that still work? Does that apply to me? Moving on…

New Rule (v2.0):

If someone says “I don’t care,” they must make all the decisions for the rest of the day.

Okay—Huge potential to backfire. Moving on…

New Rule (v3.0):

“I don’t care” is no longer an acceptable response.

Simple. Not always easy. But simple.

✅ What to Say Instead

Let’s rewrite the script.

If someone asks for your input, they likely want your opinion.

To say “I don’t care” can feel dismissive—or even a little rude.

And if your opinion isn’t chosen… who cares? You didn’t, remember?

And if they’re asking because they’re lazy—well, show them how it’s done. Here’s a better way to respond:

●       “I don’t have a strong preference—what do you think?”

●       “I’m open, but if no one else decides, let’s go with       .”

●       “I’m good either way, but I’ll vote for       .”

You’re still being flexible—but you’re doing it with intention.

💡 Final Thought: Care Enough to Decide

Even if your suggestion doesn’t get chosen—you showed up. And if someone else is just being indecisive?

Show them how easy it can be to lead with a little thought. Because the words we use matter.

“I don’t care” might say more than we realize.

Want to lead with more impact?

Let’s talk. I help individuals and teams put these principles into action—with clarity, intention, and measurable results.