Successful Decision-Making Process
Successful Decision-Making Process
Decision-making seems like it should be a simple process, but sometimes we can find ourselves vacillating back and forth between one or more choices, truly unable to make a solid decision.
One of the things that makes decision-making so unnerving is the fear of making a wrong move. We get mired in “what ifs,” paralyzed by fears of what could go wrong.
Following are techniques that can help you gain the clarity to make wiser decisions for yourself:
1) Clear your mind. First take a few minutes to get into a relaxed state of mind and release all fears and worries. This will help you to think more logically, rather than getting stuck on emotional responses.
2) Listen for signals. Bring each choice to mind individually, and pay attention to the responses from your body. Does one choice make your gut tighten up in apprehension? Does another choice make you feel a bit giddy or hopeful?
3) Consider the pros and cons. This is an old trick that is still quite effective. Rather than relying on your emotional impulses, you can look logically at the benefits and downfalls of each choice. Writing them down on paper is even better, because it can help you to see clearly which choice seems most beneficial. Sometimes this technique alone is enough to help you decide one way or another.
4) Consider the consequences. Sometimes you’ll discover that your fears are out of proportion to the likely consequences, and once you realize the likelihood is small, you will be more confident in finally making a decision.
5) Choose. That’s the hardest part, I know. But again, even NOT making a decision is a choice in itself. Wouldn’t you rather have control of your choices, rather than letting your inaction bring about its own consequences? After using the techniques above, you should have a pretty solid idea of which choice is best for you.
Most importantly, remember that truly “wrong” decisions in life are rare. Rather, each choice has a corresponding consequence.(Except destructive choices that result in harm to yourself or another. Those I would consider definitely bad or wrong choices.)
But in a general sense, every decision we make simply moves us down a particular path in life.We learn and grow in wisdom with every decision.
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