Decisions, decisions, decisions – we’re constantly making them! The act of making a decision can often be overwhelming, especially when it seems there is a lot at stake.
Even the smallest decisions, like “what to wear?” can sometimes take longer than expected, leaving us stressed and even late. From deciding what to eat for dinner to choosing a career path or making a big purchase like a car or house, decisions are a part of life. We need to make decisions to move forward in life, but it’s not always easy.
Sometimes, we rely too much on others’ opinions and end up not deciding for ourselves. Other times, we might let the fear of “what will they think?” hold us back. Indecision can erode our confidence and feed our fear of failure. Emotions can also cloud our judgment, leading us to choose based on how we feel rather than what is practical.
To help with decision-making, I incorporate two strategies from my 9-step process for overcoming stress: “ask exploratory questions and gather facts,” followed by “brainstorm possible solutions.” This approach works well for bigger decisions, like buying a big-ticket item. We can sort through the choices, gather all the specifications, and then weigh the pros and cons, focusing on what will best meet our needs in the long run.
My suggested top 5 tips to assist decision making:
- Keep your emotions in check (would you still be feeling the same way about it next month or next year?)
- Be strategic about it – gather facts, weigh up the pros and cons, then ask yourself “what is going to offer the best outcome long term?”
- Is your intended decision going to be in alignment with your values?
- Take your time (particularly over the bigger decisions)
- Don’t overthink it, relax and ask your inner self, then quietly wait for the answer
Remember, not every decision will turn out exactly as planned, and that’s okay. If things don’t go as hoped, view it as a learning experience and move forward. Hindsight may be 20/20, but sometimes, what seems like a mistake now could turn out to be a blessing in disguise later on.