Spoiler alert: there isn’t.
Today, a client asked me for a method to help her make decisions faster and more efficiently. She specifically asked for a “fast track to making the best decision” when she has a few options in front of her. Truth be told, she didn’t like my response, but I really believe in it and felt the need to share it with you.
The thing about decision making is that it is totally personal to you. I have another client that loves making pro and con lists – she does it for everything – but if you were to ask me to sit down and do it to help me make a decision, the chance of me following through is minimal. It just doesn’t resonate with me in the same way it does for her.
The way I make decisions is entirely based on how I currently feel, and how I want to feel.
Take the example of going out on a Saturday night with friends. For some that is a no trainer. For me, I am already anxious about waking up the next day for a workout even before I begin to get dressed. I am already worried I will have one drink too many, miss the last subway home, eat crappy food and most importantly, go out and feel like I rather be home. I may feel regret about my decision before I make a decision.
Staying home now is delicious. It feels comfortable. I don’t have to get out of pajamas. I know I will go to bed at a reasonable hour and I know I will wake up on time and feel fully alive the next day. I will eat good food. I will feel good. I may regret not going out when I see my friends post pictures on Facebook, but I know there will be another time I can be with them, and afterall, maybe a little regret is what I needed to push me to go out the next time.
No matter what, I will choose to do what I feel is best for me. In many cases I am hit with a ton of adversity when I choose the non-popular option, but I have a deep sense of knowing I am taking care of myself.
I believe that all decisions are connected to your values. I personally feel abandoning my values are non-negotiable and they completely influence all of my decision making and my life living.
If you value connection, fun, laughter, you will decide to go out and feel great about it.
If you value physical fitness, feeling your best self, and learning, you may choose to stay home and read a good book or catch up on an e-course.
So, my advice on how to make a decision is actually pretty simple. Spend time thinking about how you want to feel. You may not want to disappoint a friend, or stay home, or sign up for a course everyone is telling you about, and all of that is ok. At the end of the day the only thing that is important is that you are doing what is best for you and the choices you make reflect that.
