Have you ever been faced with a difficult decision and you truly just didn't know what to do?
You've made a pros and cons list, and you still can't decide. You've talked it over with friends and you get different feed back from different people, causing you to struggle with making a decision even more. Most people don't make decisions because they are afraid of making the wrong decision, rather they procrastinate and end up making no decision which causes a whole new set of problems!
Next time you are faced with a difficult decision, try using these four easy steps:
1. Get laser-focused and clear about what it is that you want.
Do what is best for you. Decide which option is most in line with your dreams, desires, and goals. What will the decision allow you to have, or allow you to be? Is that what you want?
2. Don't choose something because others tell you to.
Sometimes people will try to influence your decision making by telling you what is "right", what is "best", or what you "should" do. Don't always make the easier choice, often times the better choice is the hardest one to make. If you're feeling pressured into making a decision that doesn't feel right, chances are it isn't.
3. Doing something is better than doing nothing.
When trying to make a decision, know that if you make the wrong one, you can always change your mind. If you choose the wrong career, you will gain valuable skills along the way that may help you in your future career. If you choose the wrong major, you can always reassess and change majors. Moving forward and making a decision is better than living in limbo.
4. Practice by starting small.
The best way to get better about making decisions is to start making them. Start small. Choose something on the menu you have never tried before, and be decisive about ordering it. Choose a show on Netflix within one minute - set a timer. Walk to your wardrobe and choose the first outfit that you think about. What's the worst thing that can happen? You don't like your food, grab a snack later. You don't like the movie, change it! When you learn how to make small decisions quickly, it grows your decision making muscle and the next time you're presented with a bigger decision to make, it will feel easier.
No one makes the right decisions 100% of the time. You either get to live with the consequences or choose differently next time. But making a decision, even if it's the wrong one, moves you forward in life. When you procrastinate and stay stuck; that doesn't serve you at all. Any decision is better than no decision at all.
So the next time you're faced with a decision, get focused on what it is that you want; listen to that small voice inside reaffirming your choice, and make a decision.
