We’ve all felt overwhelmed when weighing up a decision at one time or another. It can be daunting, especially with so many thoughts in your head.
However, it doesn’t have to be so difficult. While a major life decision can be discussed and mulled over, other choices that don’t hold as much weight can be simply made with an online Yes or No Wheel or made on a hunch. Sometimes you just have to go for it.
Here, we’ll help you understand the decision-making process and offer tips on whether the choice you have to make is of huge significance or something perhaps more trivial.
Understand Your Decision-Making Process
Understanding the decision-making process is essential for making sound choices.
It’s important to appreciate the factors that influence decisions, including values, beliefs and the emotion attached to the decision you have to make.
Be aware of the biases you may hold and how this could sway your thinking. This way, one can think clearly and mitigate any effect this could have on the final decision.
For example, whether in a business or personal quandary, you can use SWOT analysis which identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats around a decision to be made. Think of this as a pros and cons list.
Don't Fall Into the Trap of Overthinking
Overthinking can be a major obstacle when striving to achieve an outcome. It's often more a hindrance than a help and can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress and even depression.
While it can be difficult not to overthink, try to recognize when it occurs in order to counteract it.
Try to focus on the present and avoid worrying about the future or the past. When making your decision, it’s important to live in the here and now and assess your options while feeling present.
Practising mindfulness is a way to become more aware of your thoughts. Meditation and yoga are both good for the mind and can help you think more clearly and concisely.
Prioritize Decisions That Matter Most
When making decisions, it’s important to prioritize the ones that matter most.
Write each one down and assess the potential impact of each. Consider the short-term and long-term consequences of the decision.
Sometimes it also helps to take a step back in order to properly analyse a situation. Maybe consider the advice you would offer a friend or loved one if they found themselves in your position. Perspective is important and will help you avoid making a blind decision in haste.
Consider your gut feeling as well. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
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