Do you struggle with decision making? Coaching Trainer & Co-Founder of The Coaching Masters Liam James Collins, reveals 6 easy tips to being less indecisive when making big decisions
Decision making doesn’t always come easy and it’s more common than you might think for people to put off making big decisions.
If you’re not making decisions, its unlikely that you are progressing, and if you’re not progressing, you’re not going anywhere. Effectively you’re stuck and who wants to be stuck?
One of the main reasons people put off making decisions is because they’re scared to make the wrong decision, but there really is no such thing as the wrong decision.
If you’re not making decisions, its unlikely that you are progressing
Flipping the perspective will make you realise that it’s all about mindset – we don’t have the luxury of knowing if we’ve made the right or wrong decision, as you aren’t psychic and won’t know what’s going to happen after that decision is made.
With this in mind, it’s time to stop being indecisive and take positive steps towards taking control and making ‘big’ decisions which could change the course of your life for the better, here’s how…
#1 Be clear about your goals
Undoubtedly there will be a lot going on in your head when you have a big decision to make and without doubt, a calm and centred mind can help you to get to the answer more effectively.
One way to clarify your thoughts and reach a conclusion is to be crystal clear about your goals.
What is it you want to achieve? What is the end game and how do you get there?
Focusing on this aspect will show you what you want and why, making it easier for you to reach and settle on a decision and path of action.
#2 Weigh up your options
Making informed decisions leads to better outcomes, so when making a decision it is advisable to gather the necessary information and properly do your research.
Doing this will help you to better understand what needs to be done in order to solve the problem and make a decision, as well as generating ideas for other possible solutions which can give you the desired outcome.
Alternatively, you could always seek the opinions of people that you trust
To effectively weigh up your options, it is best to make a list of every possible alternative; even ones that may initially sound silly or seem unrealistic.
Alternatively, you could always seek the opinions of people that you trust as this too can be beneficial in validating a decision and understanding all the options available to you.
#3 Pay attention to what your body is saying
When you’re trying to make a decision, pay attention to how your body feels when you think about both options.
How does it feel when you visualise choosing Option A or Option B?
Sometimes a choice may feel scary, so you might be confused by butterflies. But are they the butterflies of excitement or dread?
Your body is a reliable compass that steers you towards the choice which is right got you, so follow the signs and you’ll end up making the best decision for you.
#4 Let go of fear
Being scared or fearful is one of the biggest reasons why we’re indecisive or put off decision making. The best way to tackle fear is to approach It head on.
There’s no shame in being fearful that things won’t work out, but one of the beauties in life is that it’s unpredictable and we can never know what’s going to happen.
Fear can be an excuse to stay in a situation that isn’t working for you anymore. Fear can feel comfortable because it keeps you in a pattern of inaction.
Fear can be an excuse to stay in a situation that isn’t working for you anymore
Chances are that the path of inaction is less frightening because it feels more familiar but this inaction will keep you from making a breakthrough.
You must take a chance on yourself and back yourself all the way, no matter what.
#5 No distractions
To facilitate effective decision making, you really must put yourself in an environment where you can think clearly. That means no distractions.
Dedicating some time away from the hustle and bustle of every day life can really help you to think clearly and effectively.
Avoiding distractions can also be helpful, so put down your phone, step away from your laptop or tablet, take some deep breaths, and concentrate.
Having some quality time with yourself is very powerful when it comes to decision making, listening to your body, and trusting your gut.
#6 Fuel Up
You wouldn’t go on a long car journey without petrol or enter a meeting unprepared, so try to avoid embarking on a big decision when you’re running on empty.
This advice might seem obvious, but if you’re stressed by a big decision, it could be affecting your sleep and your eating patterns, which can take its toll on your body.
try to avoid embarking on a big decision when you’re running on empty
For effective decision making, you need to make sure you’re looking after yourself, sleeping properly, eating well, and prioritising self-care, which can be an effective tool to combat the negative effects that stress can have on your health and wellbeing.
For more inspirational coaching advice, or if you’re interested in a career in coaching which can provide career and financial freedom, check out The Coaching Masters: www.thecoachingmasters.com
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