When we were kids, it looked easy when our parents would decide and make plans.
Until now.
Adulthood means you are now responsible for yourself and your future. Now when you have to make decisions, you realize how hard it truly is.
There are days you’d have 103 ideas in your head but you are uncertain about. You don’t know which to do first, which would be easier or if you should even do anyone.
All these are a natural part of making plans and decisions. You can’t change any of them, but you can make the process easier.
Start easy
When in doubt, start small.
Starting small means picking the simplest option. Even if you aren’t sure it will work out, the simplicity of this option can reduce worrying and motivate you.
To do this, you must be aware of what each option involves as much as possible. Ask yourself, how much time will this take? Will it involve using my finances? Do I have the time and resources to see this through?
These questions will tell you which option is easier to do.
Outline your thoughts
“When you write down your ideas, you automatically focus your full attention on them.” — Michael LeBoeuf
An anxious mind is like the gas molecules in steam; your thoughts are all over the place.
Outlining them in written form helps to reduce anxieties and any confusion you might have.
First, emphasize the option you picked. Then outline your reasons by answering these questions;
- Why did you go with this choice?
- Why did you decide against the others?
- What are the pros and cons of this decision?
- What do you think might go wrong?
- How can you work around that?
The next step is writing out what this option involves and the things you need to do to fulfill your goal.
Many people use the mind mapping method, although I haven’t tried it. I prefer to make lists or something similar.
Just use any method that’s easy for you.
Remind yourself
The world is full of overthinking machines called humans. I am one of them. You are too.
Even after deciding and planning, your doubting mind returns to the first problem. Like a dog gnawing on a piece of bone, you worry if you made the right choice.
While this might be good, giving in to this impulse wastes your time and brainpower.
When this happens, pick up your outline from the previous step and remind yourself of your choice and the reasons for it.
It will help you stick to the plan.
Although, you can make changes if there is a fresh development or information you didn’t consider before.
Implement with consistency
Oftentimes, we do not meet our goals because we get frustrated, tired, or lax at some point.
It’s one thing to decide; it’s another to follow through to the end.
Your life will always revolve around the narrative you believe.
So don’t sell yourself short with harmful narratives that can discourage you. A narrative is only true when you believe and live it.
Make every decision count
Tomorrow is uncertain; life is uncertain.
You must see every goal like it’s your last because it might just be. So dot every “I” and cross every “T” because if you don’t, you’ll always wish you did.
Nobody wants to live with the burden of regret. So give the best you have and go two miles further.
Review with feedback
Data, data, data
Data and insights are not for social media only; you need data too.
Give yourself feedback and use this data to know what to improve, emphasize, or eliminate.
Data gives you insight into where you didn’t do enough, where you went wrong, and where you got it right.
Appreciate yourself
It’s easier to appreciate others, forgetting that you need appreciation too.
Learn to give yourself the proverbial pat on the back, even when the results are not exactly what you envisioned.
Treat yourself to a good meal, gift yourself a book, extra movie time, or anything that says thank you.
You should not wait for someone to say well done because only you know the efforts you put into achieving this goal.
Takeaway
A wrong decision is better than indecision, and one decision can change your whole life.
- Start simple when you’re scared
- Outline your thoughts when you’re confused
- Remind yourself when you’re in doubt
- Implement like it’s your last
- Review so you can do better
- Appreciate yourself like there’s no one else to do it.
Do you have any suggestions on how to make decisions? I would love to hear from you! Please drop a comment.
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Great post. Outlining ideas sure seems helpful. My mother is always making lists. She has a whole system, never forgets anything and is super efficient.
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I’m like your mum. Lists always work for me too, once I write it down it sticks. Thank you for reading 🤗
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