There are so many times where we are faced with decisions we would rather not make. Sometimes these are urgent, due to circumstances beyond our control, while other times decisions are more difficult due to an abundance of choice.
When faced with choice, the fear of making the wrong decision can be overwhelming. Barry Schwartz talks of this in his book The Paradox of Choice: Why Less is More. “Learning to choose is hard. Learning to choose well is harder. And learning to choose well in a world of unlimited possibilities is harder still, perhaps too hard.”
So, what do we do when we are at cross roads, have too many choices or not enough!!
The Value of Perspective
One of the first things we need to do is gain perspective. This is often difficult, especially if emotion is involved, so taking this out of the equation is usually more helpful than we realise. We can do this by using a pros and cons list, asking someone we trust or brainstorming ideas.
Gain Clarity Through Self-Reflection
Once we've managed to take emotions out of the decision-making equation, the next step is self-reflection. It's important to check in so we can be sure we are making an informed choice. By understanding what we truly value, we can make choices that are align with our values and long-term goals.
Embracing Uncertainty
It's also important to accept there is no perfect, when making decisions. Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, a psychologist and neuroscientist, suggests that we “accept that there is no perfect choice, only the choice that you make.”
Accepting there is no perfect choice can reduce stress, enhance creativity, speed up decision-making, increase learning opportunities and improve adaptability.
Taking Small Steps
Finally, remember big decisions don't have to be made all at once. Breaking down a decision into smaller, manageable steps can make the process less daunting and more manageable. It also allows space to make changes if needed and to learn what works and what doesn’t.
Crossroads, whether filled with doubt or opportunity, can be navigated with confidence using the right strategies. By learning and adapting from each experience, decision-making becomes less daunting and more empowering.
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