Decision Making: A Path to Growth
How have you been making decisions in your life? Have you been making decisions that move you towards what you really want, or have you found yourself drifting off course, unsure how you got there?
There was a time in my life when I tried to avoid making decisions altogether. And I know many of you out there have done the same. But here's the thing: even when we try to resist or avoid making a decision, not making a decision *is* a decision. It’s a choice to stay where you are, and often, that choice keeps you stuck. Eventually, we all have to face decisions—some big, some small. Regardless of their importance, have you ever truly considered how you've been making them? Do you feel you make good decisions all the time, just some of the time, or not at all?
As Bob Proctor wrote in Your Greatest Result… Begins with Your Decision, “decision making has the potential to improve almost any personal or business situation you will encounter.” He also stated that “decisions, or the lack of them, are responsible for the making or breaking of many a career.”
When I reflect on the decisions I’ve made in my life, I can see that while some of them seemed good at the time, they lacked real substance. They couldn't move me towards my desired future because I was making decisions based on past results, projecting them into my future. I was trying to fix immediate problems, without solving them for the long term.
Through my own personal development and coaching others on decision making, I recognised patterns that mirrors my own past experience. Many of us base our decisions on three main criteria, which tend to hold us back.
1. Making Decisions Based on Our Past or Past Results
This was a major obstacle for me. Think back to a time when someone told you that you couldn’t achieve something, or when you failed at a goal you set. When a similar opportunity arises, do you hesitate? Perhaps you decide not to try again because you’re haunted by that past failure.
If you have a healthy level of self-esteem and confidence, you may choose to learn from that failure and try again, doing something differently this time. However, if your confidence is low, you may decide not to act, and that decision moves you even further away from what you really want.
2. Making Decisions Based on Our Fears
Fear is a universal experience. At some point in life, we all face the fear of failure, fear of success, fear of rejection, or fear of the unknown. These fears shape the decisions we make.
Take, for instance, the fear of failure and success. You may want to start a business, but fear that your idea isn’t good enough or that you’re not qualified. This fear may lead you to decide against pursuing your business idea. Or, if you overcome that fear, you might then encounter the fear of success—"What if I can’t handle the demands of running a business?" Once again, fear dictates your decisions, moving you further from your goals.
3. Making Decisions for Instant Gratification or to Solve Immediate Problems
It’s easy to make decisions that solves an immediate issue however, we tend to fail to consider long-term consequences.
For example, imagine you’re faced with an unexpected bill. You decide to take out a loan to pay it off, despite already being in debt. While the loan solves the immediate problem, it adds to your bigger issue of rising debt. You’ve chosen instant gratification, but the underlying problem remains unsolved.
Decisions made under these circumstances keep us stuck in a cycle of fear and frustration. We visualise worst-case scenarios based on past failures and allow that fear to shape our future.
How to Make Decisions That Move You Towards What You Want
1. Make Decisions Based on Where You’re Heading
Just like you wouldn’t leave home without knowing your destination, don’t make decisions without considering where you want to go in life. If you are unsure how to get somewhere you would use a Sat Nav or map to find the directions to where you were going. Think of your decisions as your Sat Nav, guiding you in the right direction.
2. Have Faith in Your Decisions
Trust that the decisions you make, with the right mindset, are moving you in the direction of your goals. This starts with having self-belief and knowing that each step you take is part of your journey towards success.
3. Solve the Problem for the Long Term
Instead of choosing the quick fix, aim to solve problems for the future. For example, instead of taking out a loan, consider budgeting better or finding ways to increase your income. This way, you’re addressing the root issue and preparing to eliminate future challenges that may crop up in this area.
Remember, the power of decision-making lies in your hands. Even when you think you’re avoiding a decision, you’re actually making one.
I trust I’ve given you food for thought and added a little value to your day! If you need help in making better decision making by building unwavering self-belief, let’s talk. Head over to my contact page, and let’s find out how your decisions can become triumphs.
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