SIX STEPS TO FOOLPROOF DECISION MAKING
How many times have you needed to make a decision but were afraid of making the wrong one? Nothing sounds scarier than regret.
What if I told you there is a way to go through the decision making process without second-guessing yourself? A system guaranteeing zero regret? It may sound too good to be true but the solution is more simple than you think.
When a person is at a crossroads and needs to make a big decision, they are usually dealing with a lot of internal conflict, differing thoughts and at times high emotions. The idea of finding the answer to one’s truth amid the mental clutter seems borderline impossible.
VALUES AND DECISIONS?
Values are based on your beliefs. When you live your values you live a happier and more fulfilled life. When you are happy, it is usually because you are honoring a value. When you make decisions using your values to navigate, you have a better chance of making decisions that are right for you.
THE GLITCH IN THE MATRIX...
There are two types of values
FEAR-BASED VALUES:
Fear-based values are typically created from beliefs that are rooted in self-doubt, judgment and other limiting thought patterns. Often you don’t recognize that you are living those types of values. We are creatures of habit unconsciously subscribing to values that you inherited along the way.
CONSCIOUS-BASED VALUES:
Conscious-based values are founded in the beliefs that empower you, causing you to take positive action in your life. When you live these values, you are naturally motivated and are operating at a higher energy level because you intentionally chose these values for yourself.
6 steps to FOOLPROOF DECISION-MAKING
FIRST STEP: Take a moment to pause!
1. Ask yourself questions that count. When do you feel the most fulfilled? What are you doing during those moments when you lose track of time and are completely present? These questions help cue you into what really makes you tick and what is motivating for you! You may surprise yourself with your answers.
SECOND STEP: MAKE A LIST
2. Write down as many things (values) as you can that you believe are important to your life. It will be a helpful tool in building awareness of the values you may be living but are no longer servicing you. These values may have been adopted over time but don’t resonate with you now and the way you want to live.
THIRD STEP: CIRCLE THE TOP FIVE
3. Go with your intuition. What feels right? Even if you aren’t currently living these values, what way do you want to be living? Knowing what is important to you and putting words around it is empowering and will give you amazing clarity on where you should spend your time and energy.
FOURTH STEP: NOW RANK THEM!
4. Rank these values from one to five, with one representing the value of the highest importance and so on. You might not know exactly which is your first or second, but that’s okay. As you prioritize your list, think about which values are non-negotiable.
FIFTH STEP: MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION
5. Ask yourself. After considering your different options, what values will you be honoring if you make that choice?
SIXTH STEP: SUSPEND JUDGEMENT
6. Remind yourself that there is no right or wrong answer here. There is only a best answer for you. And keep in mind that this answer does not have to be your end-all, be-all. This simply means it is the best option for you at this time, in this moment. It doesn’t have to be forever.
After the success I experienced the first time I practiced this little trick it, blew my mind that I had not ever asked myself these questions before when I made decisions. And when took the time to answer them, these questions not only made decision making much simpler, they also brought awareness to how I could refocus my energy in the day-to-day to live a more fulfilling life.