Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!
Life is full of it! And we make hundreds of decisions everyday. From the moment we wake up, we've made a choice. Most are automatic while others are informed decisions. I consider myself a fairly decisive person, but not when it comes to picking a place to eat, choosing an item off a menu, what shoes to wear, which earring matches my outfit etc. Those things take me quite awhile!
Occasionally we are compelled to make vitally important and life changing decisions. Which car to buy? Which college to apply to? What course to take? To move or to stay? To say Yes/No? I do? So what is it that helps making a choice that much easier? Here's some steps which I apply that have so far seen me through really tough circumstances....
A positive attitude to life helps make decision making easier. It helps curb fear and eases you to make a move. I believe that there is no one "right solution" to the problem you are confronting. We are all given instincts so listen to it, but don't make snap decisions. Some decisions just can't be made in a "Blink"
Make a list of options and alternatives. Write down every option you have for the decision you’re making, get it out of your head and spend some quality time on each one. Weigh the decision and make a list of the pros and cons connected with the decision. You may find that something on your list clearly goes against your values or your capabilities.
Distance gives perspective. It’s the oldest advice out there – separate yourself from the emotions of the moment. Put some time between now and when you actually make the decision. Give yourself time and space to mull over your options.
Don't fear making a mistake.Mistakes are just learning curves and opportunities to learn. We all make them. And then, we get better at life and move on.
Research! Research! Research! Do your homework and get all the facts before you make the decision. Think how the decision will benefit YOU first. Do what you and not what other people really want.
Talk to someone that will contribute important insight, answer questions, remove doubts and confirm inclinations. Get opinions and feedback from others you trust; but don't let them make the decision for you.
Be prepared to take a few risks in life and look out for opportunities in every situation. Every successful business or venture started out with an idea which was a risk. Nothing is infallible. The knowledge that you can handle anything that comes your way is your key to allowing yourself to take risks. In the end, it's how you handle things that matter.
Finally, make the decision concrete. You can endlessly re-analyze and agonize over what you’ve decided. You have to stop sometime. Make it real, write it down. Once your decision is out of your head and in the real world, your brain can stop constantly churning through the options and get on with the next task.
One of the greatest and easiest ways to decipher if you've made a correct decision about something is to determine if you feel a strong sense of peace about it. The Bible says that God will give us His peace, which surpasses all understanding. If, after praying about something and making your decision, you feel a great sense of peace come over you and stay with you, then you have probably made a great decision that God can and will work with.
"God, the Source of Life", will never give you a desire, a vision, an individual dream without your having the ability/potential for it to come to pass." ~ Craig Lock
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