Some people may admit they have no decision-making routine whatsoever. The truth is, they do have a routine, they just don't know it.
Most people who struggle with good decision-making skills will admit that when it comes to making decisions, theirs is typically one that's emotionally-based or without regard to any consideration of the inevitable consequences. Have you ever made a decision only to wish you had taken just a bit more time to consider it from every angle? I think we all have.
Whether or not you consider yourself a good decision-maker, it pays to follow some basic rules. These five keys to good decision-making should help you see things from a common sense perspective and may even help you sleep a bit better as well.
1. Take Your Time: Unless an immediate decision is critical, there should always be some kind of time element that's available for you to think about your decision. If someone is telling you that you must "choose now or else..." beware, or just say no. In most cases, an impulsive decision is not going to be a wise one. Time is the number one culprit of poor decision making. Take control of it and make it work for you, not against you.
2. Weigh the Pros and Cons: This simple process allows you to determine the maximum benefit of a decision, assuming everything goes as you plan. It also allows you to consider the opposite effect should things not go as planned. Some questions that come to mind are: What is my maximum exposure? What's my exit strategy? What are the benefits and pitfalls? Having a complete picture allows you to make the best decision possible.
3. Seek Advice: You're not always alone. For significant decisions, try seeking the advice of a friend or loved one. This is especially significant if the decision has an effect on others, such as a business or family member. Gather key advisors and go over the pros and cons. Consider the perspective of others as you make the final determination.
4. Sleep on it: Some of the best decisions come as a result of time (the first key) and rest. If you're tired, your brain isn't operating as efficiently as it would be in a fully-rested state. It's akin to shopping at the grocery store while you're starving. It can be done but just doesn't make good sense to do such a thing. If you're facing a decision and you have time to sleep on it, a fresh, rested perspective may be just the thing you need for clarity.
5. Reflect: This is the final key and is one that should be practiced after the previous four above. Reflection can be accomplished by simply contemplating or praying about a decision you face. If you're like me, if I'm facing an unwise decision, I simply don't have peace or I'm "uneasy" about it. If that's the case, I follow my instincts and seek a better alternative or come to the conclusion (decision) that best suits me and those closest to me.
Making decisions of any kind has consequences. Making the right ones doesn't have to be difficult and can bring peace and contentment to your life. Consider these five keys next time you face a decision and I believe you'll be better for it.
Until next time!
-G-
"It's not hard to make good decisions once you know what your values are." ~ Roy Disney
We're proud to announce Gary's next book, set to be released this summer. FEAR is a Thief is the first in a self-empowerment series that is written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life.
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