Will you be forced to make a tough decision today? I’m sure you will be. A study conducted at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada discovered that the average human has an average of 6,200 thoughts per day. If you’re anything like me, a lot of thoughts are based on our decisions.
Did I make the right decision? What should I do next? Is this person thinking the same thing as me?
We have many thoughts throughout the day, and arguably more decisions to make. This is a fact, but how many of you know how to make those tough decisions that will have a major impact on your life? It can be devastating and place a lot of pressure on you. So, today, I want to give you 3 tips on how to make tough decisions:
“You might encounter many defeats but you must never be defeated.”
– Maya Angelou
1. Weigh Your Options
Usually, when people are faced with tough decisions, they only see two options. In reality, there may be more options that never cross the person’s mind. So, one way to help with the decision-making process is to write out every possible outcome. This will lead you to think outside the box, which is a skill that will help you in many other aspects of life. Once you write out ALL of the possible options, determine which option best aligns with your goals and the vision you have for yourself. If you’re still left with more than one, then just close your eyes and pick one.
2. Pros and Cons Chart
For all of my visual people out there, you will enjoy this next tip. It involves making a T chart. That’s right, just a simple chart where you make T, and put two words on each side of the line. On one side, you will list “pros” and on the opposite side, you will list “cons.”
You want to write out all of the good things that can happen once you make a decision, and then write out all of the bad things that may happen. If the list of pros outweighs the cons, then you are probably making the right decision. If they don’t, then you may need to rethink your decision. The proof is in the chart. Remember that. If you find yourself struggling to move forward once you clearly see the proof, then you know that the issue may be deeper than indecisiveness.
3. Affirm That It’s Okay
This option takes a little labor, but it does require faith. When you’re faced with a tough decision, you want to stop yourself in your mind-boggling tracks, and recite this statement, “No matter what decision I make, it’s okay.”
Doesn’t this statement just make you want to let out a big, deep breath? I know that when we’re faced with a tough decision, there seems to be pressure on our backs that weigh a ton. Sometimes – a lot of the time – this pressure is fabricated. It is something that our mind creates on its own and this affects how we think, how we act, and even what we say. But, when you do this exercise and tell yourself that whatever happens, it will be okay, you give yourself permission to let go of the fabricated pressure. It instantly makes the decision-making process a little bit easier. ]
We are excited for you!
If you are reading this and you have a tough decision to make, it can seem like life or death. Try one of these exercises, or try all of them. Comment and let us know how it affects you.
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