If there is something that accompanies us in our day-to-day, without a doubt it is decision-making. They are always there, whether small or large, making decisions about what to have for breakfast, what outfit to wear, what college degree to pursue, or whether to have children.
Our life, to a large extent, is determined by the decisions we make. Despite that, this is one of the things that many humans find most difficult to do. The more important the decision, the greater the consequences, and therefore the more difficult it is to make.
Still, we cannot do without them. We cannot live a life without decisions. So, what we have to do is take ownership of ourselves, and learn to make decisions effectively.
That is why we bring you a short guide with some recommendations to make good decisions. As a result, you will begin to trust your judgment more and reduce the probability of making a mistake by overthinking.
Let’s get started!
Analyze The Situation
Although it sounds like a hackneyed tip, like all good clichés, it has a bit of reality in it. And you can’t move forward with decision-making if you have not looked at the situation from all its possible angles.
Don’t let yourself be consumed by fear or indecision, on the contrary, allow yourself to give it its due importance, but try to stay realistic, with your feet on the ground. Almost always, the problems are bigger when we look at them from our fear than from reality.
Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and, respecting the importance of the situation, allow yourself to analyze it with time and dedication. Without nervousness, pressure, and haste, since all these feelings skew perspectives and decision-making capacity.
Evaluate Pros and Cons
Without a doubt, it’s necessary that you carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of choosing one option or another, that way you can get an idea of what the consequences of each would be, and then make a decision that fits what you want.
A good way to do this is by writing them down on paper or using your phone or computer, which is the way that best suits you to write down the pros and cons of each option that comes to your mind, and thus, be able to look at them. from “outside.” Perhaps this way it will be easier for you to clarify the decision that you have to make.
Recognize How It Makes You Feel
Many times our body knows what we want before our mind becomes fully aware of it. A good way to know what the answer is for us lies in realizing what our body anticipates.
If it excites you if it brings you any joy, if the anxiousness is motivating and not paralyzing, perhaps you should move in that direction.
On the other hand, if what you feel is fear, dislike, or discomfort at the idea, perhaps you should not think twice and take another path.
Set a Deadline
Although it’s preferable to avoid both the pressure that you can put on yourself, as well as the social pressure, you must establish certain limits to maintain order and push yourself to take action and not let time pass.
Of course, you should be objective and understand your times, so that you do not feel frustrated by not meeting your own expectations. However, having a deadline will prevent you from having paralysis by analysis.
Meditate
Silence can be very powerful if you give it a chance. Sit down, or lie down for a moment, after having evaluated the situation, the pros, cons, and possible consequences that each option would entail, and how it would make you feel, and then, allow your thoughts to balance as they prefer, enjoying only the peace that leaving them offer you.
Meditating is incredibly good for mental health and stability, which not only helps you emotionally and spiritually but also optimizes your mind so that you can be more capable of thinking about which decision to make.
If you are new to it, you can try some kind of guided meditation. You can find many both on YouTube and on streaming platforms like Netflix. What suits you best?
Let your mind rest, and it will be easier to make a decision when you are done. Remember something, there are no right or wrong decisions, and having such a black-or-white approach to life will only put you under more stress than you need.
There are only some decisions that are more adequate than others, and that will be determined by what suits you best, which you will be able to know more easily when you are in greater touch with yourself.
That was it for this occasion. We hope these little tricks can help teach your mind easier ways to approach troublesome situations and important decisions. Little by little, you will not even have to see them as steps to follow, but your mind will carry them out without you realizing it. But for that, you need to be constant and dedicate yourself.
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See more articles by Andrea Corona.
