Years ago, I was flipping through O Magazine and came across a comment from a reader that made me think.
The question: "What’s the one thing you would invent if you could?"
One reader’s answer: "A ‘decision-making’ machine. You input your life dilemmas, and just like that, the right decision is displayed on a screen. This invention would save me so much time and torment."
I love this because it would help me, my clients and everyone who struggles when it comes to knowing the “right” thing to do.
I love it too because it would combat the indecision that can keep us at a standstill, keep us from being effective day-to-day and keep us from having the energy to do our best work.
So while there’s no decision-making machine YET, here are three ways to be more decisive.
Keep things in perspective
Sometimes, without even knowing it, we let little stuff become big stuff.
Whether it’s deciding if we should join a networking group, say yes to an opportunity or even choose what to wear to an event, it can feel like doing the right (or wrong) thing will make or break us. Our minds have a tendency to keep us hooked by overanalyzing, especially when we’re doing something new or we’re concerned about how we look (literally or figuratively).
It helps to pay attention to how the decision feels…are you nervous but also excited to join that group? Would you regret saying no to that opportunity? While your feelings might be mixed, noticing your internal reactions to different scenarios can help guide your final choice.
Most importantly, remember that the small stuff is much less important than the big picture. One decision cannot - and will not - get in the way of you reaching your vision as a whole.
Keep research in check
When working on major issues like a career change, starting a business or relocating, the decisions we make require perspective, guts AND information...just not too much of it.
Research is important when it comes to making pivotal choices about your future. But it’s easy to get lost in the details, to let those details decide for you and to get dragged down by the minutia. Moving forward with enough information, strategy and planning is far better than weeks, months or years of assessment and analysis.
As a coach, I like to get clients into action as quickly as possible - because action creates momentum – and, no matter what, we’re always adjusting as we go.
So be sure to temper what you learn with implementation and consistent steps toward your goal. That way, you’ll have information and motivation as you take action and you can course correct when needed.
Keep your own counsel
Asking for advice from those you trust can be really helpful when you’re stuck on a decision. Asking too many people what they think can wreak havoc on your inner guidance system.
While we’re not designed to live and work in a vacuum, others’ opinions can make it harder to connect with your own intuition, that powerful part of you that simply knows.
I regularly offer opinions and advice to my clients. It’s one of the things they pay me for! But when I share my thoughts, I’m looking for resonance…does my suggestion or idea light them up or does it land flat?
My job is not to tell people what to do with their work and life. Trust me, if I did, they’d just end up doing what they want to do anyway. My job is to brainstorm, advise, encourage, challenge and support my clients to make decisions that are in their best interests. More than anything, I’m using my expertise and intuition to help them connect with THEIRS.
So when you do seek advice, pay close attention to how that advice sits with you. If it feels good, you’re golden. If not, be wary.
Learning to check in with your intuition - regardless of what anyone else thinks or feels - makes decisions easier and helps you to trust yourself. And the good news is when you do that, you’ll always be acting from the wisest part of your being.
Let me help you navigate your professional growth process
It’s Friday, how was work this week? If you're ready to shake things up in your business or career - or slow things down because work and life feel like a blur - I'd love to talk with you. Schedule a Free Meet & Greet Coaching Consultation and find out how you can coach with me to reach your next level of success, the EASY way :).