Making decisions is a necessary function of everybody’s life. There are so many reasons why we struggle to make decisions, especially those that could negatively impact our lives.
Some people are indecisive, so making even the simplest decision can be a struggle. Choosing what to make for dinner and which clothes to wear can turn into an overwhelming task.
Some people make a habit of impulsive decisions and very seldom think about the outcome. They tend to rush into relationships and make uninformative decisions about their finances, or choosing where to live.
When you’re prepared for the outcome of your decision, then making one will be easier. All of us will take credit for a successful decision.
The challenge we face is when our decision turns out not to be the right one and we have to face consequences.
The reason many of us have difficulty making life decisions is we struggle with fears of failure, rejection or the unknown. I always expected a guarantee that my next decision would bring me success and a better life.
When I read this quote by Wayne Dyer: “Our lives are a sum of the choices we have made,” it became very clear that I had made some unhealthy decisions. Some unhealthy choices can be fixed in one day with no harmful impact on our lives, and some can negatively affect generations to come.
To make decisions for the best possible outcome, you might consider the following steps in the process:
Clarify your goals
What exactly do you want to achieve in your life? What kind of skills do you require to achieve your goals? Do you need professional help to make this decision? Is there any cost involved in the making of this decision? Would your family be affected?
Get informed
Collect information you’ll need to make a decision. Be aware of forever collecting the information, which might turn into procrastination. Talk to family, friends and those who have already achieved success in the subject you are interested in.
Identify the possible obstacles and how to prepare for them. It’s best to do this early on in the decision-making process, so you can take a more favourable approach, avoiding costly mistakes.
Create a plan
It’s always helpful to plan every step you will need to take to implement your decision. This can increase the probability of success and make the decision-making process easier.
Evaluate your decision
It’s sometimes beneficial to review your process. Once you finish making a decision, you can move on to take action. Be aware of your energy. Also, make sure your environment is organized and peaceful.
Just do it!
This worked for Nike, so it might motivate you. Schedule the time to work on your goals. If you become frustrated, ask for help before you get overwhelmed. It pays to delegate certain tasks to professionals. They will do it fast, teach you the skill and make the process more enjoyable.
Life coach Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company based in the qathet region and has written several books on reducing clutter and becoming more organized. For information, go to solutionsorganizing.com.
