There will always be a time when we need to make an important decision that has us fretting with fear of making the wrong choice. Of course, this usually occurs when everything in our lives is going well.
Decisions we find ourselves up against can be life altering. I can’t count the times I’ve had to make tough choices and worried if it was the right one.
Unfortunately, there is no waving a magic wand or peering into a crystal ball for help.
It’s up to us to sometimes make the biggest decisions of our lives, and we need to make the right one. The ability to make strong decisions is essential for not only that moment but for the future as well.
How should we go about this?
Define your goal
I’m currently in the process of struggling with a big decision that will affect my career, and it’s important I keep site of my goal.
I have to remember my goal is my physical well-being, however making the choice will mean leaving something I love doing. It’s a big decision!
Will I make the right choice?
Keep your goals at the front and foremost of your decision making process.
Have a clear goal, write it down and understand your goal.
For myself, I have to remember my health over everything else.
When I begin to doubt my choice, I’ll remember why I’m doing this.
Visualize the outcome
People with anxiety are often told to practice the visualization technique. Psychology Today suggests visualizing both best and worst-case scenarios will provide you with a growth-mind set in which one will “envision learning, improving, failing, trying again, and then, succeeding”.
On the flip side, visualizing the worst-case scenario will help prepare you for a negative outcome.
Recognize your feelings
It’s important to work through your thoughts and feelings during decision making processes. Self-check for any biases, or illogical reasoning you may have come across.
Trust your instincts, if you’re feeling mostly negative about a specific choice, ask yourself why.
Is it fear based, or do you believe negative consequences will arise as a result?
Trust your gut instinct.
Listen to those red flags
With my most recent quandary I ignored multiple red flags. I was biased in the process and I’m facing the consequences of making the wrong choice. Time to put on my big-girl pants.
Research all the information
The next step is a pros and cons list. Gather as much information as possible to help make a well-informed decision.
Research as much as possible and ask your trusted friends and family their opinion.
This step will help clarify possible outcomes of each scenario.
Sometimes it takes different perspectives and views from others to see clearly.
Add as much detail as possible to your list, and you will start to see the obvious choice.
The SWOT Analysis
The SWOT Analysis refers to the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the outcome.
For example, if deciding on a new apartment you could list all the strengths such as outdoor space, location, in-suite laundry, while weaknesses could be the size or age of the building. The opportunities could be a potential increase in market value, and threat could be over crowding or rising interest rates. SWOT can be applied to various situations.
Look at the long-term
My career decision is based on my long-term health. My current position is strenuous on my body, and although I would love to keep with it a few more years, I might suffer the consequences of pushing my body too hard.
It’s important that I consider the future consequences of my decisions.
It’s easy to look at the short-term gains, I’m still working on this.
Maintain perspective
If only we knew what the right decision would be, there’s no handbook, even though I’ve wished for one many times. Especially with parenting.
Accept that you may make the wrong choice, be kind to yourself. We’re only human.
Perhaps have a plan-b ready on the chance things don’t turn out as hoped.
I’m currently working on my plan-b, and I actively remind myself that I’m only human. I made my decision to the best of my ability.
I wish we could see into the future and eliminate the guest work. Hopefully these tips will help you make a well-informed decision.
Remember to try your best, but be prepared for the worst.
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This post was previously published on MEDIUM.COM.
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