Can You Relate to This?
Does your current approach to decision-making cause stress and lead to procrastination, wasted time and energy? Have you tried various techniques but still haven’t got a great “formula” that works for you?
If so, you’re not alone. Some of my clients struggle with this, too, and I can totally relate. There are times when I can make life altering decisions without hesitating. Other times, I’m paralyzed with indecision for weeks about something that seems minor.
Wouldn’t it be great to know exactly what goes into making an effective decision and how to decide with ease? Read on for some factors that go into a good decision and what gets in the way.
As a bonus, I’ve also included an infographic describing a decision-making process I developed called Quiet Mind Decision Process© that draws upon research on how the brain best solves problems.
Good Decisions Aren’t Linear
Most of what I’ve read about decision-making describe it as a linear, analytical process. That’s not how I typically experience it. Instead, I experience decision-making as a set of logical steps punctuated by emotions such as confusion, uncertainty, overwhelm, and catastrophizing. When I think about what goes into making a sound decision, here are some of the elements:
Clarity of end goal, criteria for what constitutes a good outcome
Time and mental dedication to think the whole thing through
A clear mind:
Ability to focus on one thing at at time
Non-distracting physical environment
Physical well being (rest, hydration, etc.)
Breathing practice
So far, these seem quite self evident and rational, right? But here are some of the other factors that can either help or hinder decision making:
Being comfortable with the possibility that you might not be able to make a “perfect” decision. Willingness to live with uncertainty. This is easier for some people than others.
Being able to narrow down the choices to a managable number in order to minimize feeling overwhelmed.
Being realistic about what’s at stake with this decision, without either minimizing or exaggerating.
Identity-related factors. For example, one coaching client discovered that her inability to make a particular decision stemmed from her lifelong habit of carrying on even when the going got tough. She knew she needed to ask for help but kept putting off the decision because it conflicted with how she saw herself.
I suggest that both of these lists play a part in making sound decisions, yet we often minimize the impact of the second list. The Quiet Mind Decision Process © draws upon the power of our mind and our gut to enable a better result than using one alone.
An 8 Step Process for Making Solid Decisions
What Do You Have to Lose?
Next time you’re facing an important decision, give this process a test run. And let me know how it went and what you learned by leaving a note in the Comments section.