Your Decision Making Process – 5 steps to confidence

“Decisiveness is a characteristic of high-performing men and women. Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.” ~Brian Tracy

Business and life are just full of decisions that need to be made.

Why do often find ourselves procrastinating over decisions, second-guessing ourselves, spending so much time weighing up the options that sometimes those options expire!?

I was once told that about 90% of the decisions we make don’t have major long-term impact on us. They are simply not life and death. And yet we can give them so much perceived power. And forget that they can be changed down the line if they need to be!

So how can we make confident decisions with ease?

The key is to know where you are going

Yes, it’s the good old vision principle. If you know where you are heading, if you have a clear and inspiring vision that you really care about and are connected to and that provides you with both focus and the fuel you need to keep you moving forward, making decisions that support and serve you become much easier.

When you have this clarity there are just a few simple questions you need to ask yourself in relation to the decision, choice or opportunity that is in front of you

Ask yourself:

“Will this opportunity move me closer to my ultimate vision or does it take me off the path?”

The answer to this one is often pretty clear cut – will it divert your attention and energies or will it support you on your journey towards your goals?

“Does this opportunity sit well with me? Does it feel right?”

Too often we forget the power of intuition that we carry with us at all times. The best way to develop your intuition as a powerful tool for life is to exercise it. When you consider the options does one feel light and expansive? Does one feel heavier and restrictive? Your body can provide significant insight into which choice resonates with you.

“Does this decision have a negative impact on anyone or anything?”

There is a guiding universal principle that says “more life to all, less life to none” that David Neagle and Ali Brown discuss on a teleseminar listened to a while ago. I like to bring this concept into my decision making processes as it lightens some of the angst that can creep into decision making! When you are looking at a decision, will your choice harm anyone or anything? (and that includes yourself) If not, then it’s ok to move forward.

“Does this decision scare me in some way?”

Sometimes we avoid making a decision because of fear, And often that fear is resistance, your old mindset pushing itself forward and asserting itself to keep you where you are. If you recognise fear around a possible decision check in with yourself – is this a skill or experience gap being highlighted that you can close with some help? And will tackling it take you closer to your vision? Then you know what needs to be done… just take a deep breath and step forward!

Am I thinking about how when all I need to do is actually decide?

This is one of the biggest traps we fall not when it comes to decision making! At this stage, all you need to focus on is actually making the decision. Strategy – the how, can come later. Your commitment, your actual decision is all you need to focus on right now. If you are truly committed to the choice, the how will eventuate.

That’s it!

Check in with yourself – your goals, your intuition, people and situations around you you may impact upon and your fears.

Consider your decision in the context of these five questions and I am confident making decisions will become easier for you.

Let’s all approach our decisions with a lighter heart – nothing is set in stone!