Decisions Decisions

I have no idea if it is ever possible to feel 100% confident in making decisions. We all are frequently faced with making decisions that range from minor to major. Some decisions may not require much thought such as, "What should I eat for dinner?" or "What should I wear today?" However, there are some decisions that are so impactful that they can trigger your thoughts and feelings in the moment and even follow you into the future. 

There are different types of decision makers. People that are quick at making decisions without thoroughly processing the outcomes, those that harbor over decisions that drag out for too long, and everyone in between. I have to admit and come clean that I harbor over decisions. They sometimes rack my brain and result in physiological changes such as heart palpitations, excessive sweating, and even labored breathing. I know that I have great people in my life that are always a listening ear when I am troubled with coming up with a decision. The unsettling feeling is knowing that the decision ultimately comes from me. I am applying what I recently learned about making decisions and how to fully accept them even when struggling to land on a final ruling. I hope these tips can shed some light for you when you are faced with a decision.

Analyze if this decision requires a due date

If this decision does not have a due date attached to it then do not rush and take your time. However, give yourself parameters around when you'd like to have a decision by. You may even want to set markers towards making progress with a decision. For example, you might want to start by scheduling time with a friend, family member, or trusted person to provide you insights and thoughts. You may even want to journal and jot down your initial feelings. Take your time in setting these milestones to decrease the likelihood of harboring your decision.

Determine how you are being affected by this decision

It is vital to determine the severity of the decision and how it is affecting you physically, mentally and emotionally. Early I discussed that there are some decisions that I harbor so much that I start to experience physiological affects. There are specific scenarios that make us extremely uncomfortable. Take into account how you are feeling and note what the decision is doing to your overall well being. Processing your feelings can serve as a guide for you in making a logical decision. If you can get over your large feelings, then you can begin to think clearly.

Brainstorm probable outcomes and determine what in your life will this decision affect

Ask yourself if there is an ideal outcome that you are hoping for. We cannot lean heavily on knowing what the outcome will be because we aren't wizards and do not have superpowers but maybe this ideal outcome can help prepare for difficult conversations ahead. This can also prepare you to begin the grieving process from an unfortunate outcome you were not in favor of. While you are thinking about a few different outcomes be sure to note what in your life will this decision affect, whether that is positive or negative. We do not want to go into decision making without weighing the pros and the cons. In this process you may discover that you can replace certain things in your life where this decision impacts.

Confidence level - Is this harming or helping?

Let's just face it. You may never be 100% confident in making decisions but instead of looking behind and regretting certain decisions you've made be sure to look ahead and ask yourself, "Will future me understand what I was faced with that led me to this decision and did I do what was in my best interest at that time?" Give yourself some grace and trust your approach to fully investigate your thoughts, feelings and similar situations you've experienced. You will have more opportunities to grow in your decision-making skills and do better the next time.