"Making good decisions is a crucial skill at every level." - Peter F. Drucker
We make choices everyday. Some are easy, such as what to have for dinner, what dress to wear, what movie to watch etc (bread and butter, a purple dress with a black scarf and 'money heist' thank you), and others, more serious, like, for instance, choosing a career, learning a skill or maybe choosing a life partner. Regardless of how important a decision is, good decision skills are useful in life, especially if you feel indecisive about something and it’s getting you down.
You may be afraid of failure, the unknown or even the consequences of success. You may worry what other people will think about you. Maybe perfectionism may be getting in your way.
But indecision isn’t always bad. Sometimes hesitation gives you valuable time to think about the situation. It gives you the chance to gather more information and weigh the facts. If you can’t make a quick decision, it may be a sign that the choice really matters to you. If you’re second guessing yourself, it might be a warning that you’re about to make the wrong decision.
My mom always tells me that "any important decision (especially concerning finances) that can't wait till the next day is not worth taking."( Comment your opinion below ). I am completely aware there are times where we have to make quick but wise decisions. For me I've taken a lot of rushed decisions I regret, but note 'I do not dwell on them'. Infact I'm glad I made stupid decisions for it opened my eyes to see that I can avoid making stupid decisions. You get right?
But, listen to me! open your eyes and read this carefully, 'Indecisions becomes a bad thing when it lasts too long.'How long is too long? That depends on the circumstances. Will you miss an important opportunity if you wait? Could you lose something that you really want? Is the decision getting harder to make, the more you dwell on it?
Indecision can sometimes become decision by default. If you decide not to decide, you give up your power of choice. Someone else might get that contract on that skill you were supposed to learn or the world and technology will move ahead and leave you behind still contemplating whether to move along. Simple.
Yea I know, I understand that when faced with a tough decision it’s common to feel:
stressed or anxious
pressured
overwhelmed
distracted
tired
confused
A really tough headache
Because indecision can have a negative impact on how you’re feeling, it’s important to learn strategies for making positive decisions in tough situations.
While you may not be able to guarantee the outcome of a decision before you make it, at least you can know you put a lot of careful thought into it.
Enough talk on what indecision is and what decision is not. Let's just get straight to the point, for making sound decisions. Who is excited?
Alright let's goooo!
Steps for Making Sound Decisions
Step 1. Don’t let stress get the better of you. It’s easy to feel stressed out and anxious when you’re facing a tough choice. You might tend to rush your decisions without thinking them through, or you avoid making a decision at all because the stress has put you off your game. If you’re feeling anxious about a decision, try to manage your stress so that it doesn’t cloud your thinking. Go for a walk, take a nap, lick some ice cream (to cool your brain), watch a short movie or hang out with friends. Anything that makes you feel better.
Step 2. Give yourself some time (if possible). It’s hard to think clearly under pressure, and sometimes your first idea isn’t always your best one. Give yourself the chance to sit on a problem for a while so that you can process your options and feel confident about the course of action you choose.
Step 3. Weigh the pros and cons. When faced with a big decision, sometimes we lose sight of the big picture. Write a list of pros and cons for each course of action and then compare them. Sometimes the cons aren’t nearly as bad as we imagine them to be, or the pros might make your options more obvious.
Step 4. Think about your goals and values. It’s important to be true to ourselves and what we value in life. When you factor into a decision the things that are important to you, the best option might become obvious. At any rate, you’re more likely to end up with an outcome you’re happy with.
Step 5. Consider all the possibilities. Making a decision can result in several different outcomes and not all of them may be obvious. When considering each option, don’t just list the positives and negatives; write down any likely consequences.
Step 6. Talk it out. It can be helpful to get another person’s perspective on your issue, particularly if they’ve faced a similar decision in their own life.
Step 7. Keep a diary/journal. If you feel like you’re on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, it might help to keep track of your feelings by writing them down.
Step 8. Plan how you will tell others. If you think someone may have a bad response to your decision, think through what their reaction is likely to be. Put yourself in their shoes to help you think of a good way to manage the situation.
Step 9. Rethink your options. If you’re up against a lot of pressure over a decision, or there are some new factors to consider, look over your options again. You might decide that your original decision is still the best one, but give yourself the option of changing course. If a decision no longer feels right for you, go through these steps again to figure out a better solution.
Having a tough time?
Lol no problem
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with negative feelings because you’re facing a tough decision, it’s important to look after yourself. Take some time out to relax or do something you enjoy.
It’s also a good idea to talk to someone you trust, or visit a counsellor. They’ll be able to help you work through the process of decision making, and guide you through different strategies.
The End
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