Have you ever found yourself stuck in the middle of a decision making dilemma?! Of course we make decisions on a daily basis, should I go to the gym today, should I buy those shoes, should I really do ____?

However, sometimes we have what we perceive (and often are) bigger decisions to make. Such as, which college should I go to, should I relocate for a job, should I take this job offer or that job offer? They foster thoughts that our lives could be greatly altered if we… make the wrong choice!

These types of choices make us wish we had a time machine or special lens to see into the future, where the road to our choice leads and assure ourselves that the outcome will be positive.

In my late teens to my early thirties, there were a handful of times I found myself frozen between choices. My solution: Dad. I would go to my father for advice (okay to be honest, I wanted him to make the choice for me). He always seemed to have the answers. Unfortunately or fortunately, when I turned to him to make my decisions for me (dad please tell me what to do; help me make the right choice), he pushed me to do it myself. In his warm fatherly advice-tone he’d say,

“Ellie-joon, there are no right or wrong choices; there are only choices.”

He paused, then continued, “The only ‘wrong’ choice or decision is not to make one at all.”

He explained further that we can’t allow ourselves to be paralyzed by the fear of making a wrong choice. The best thing to do is make a decision, move forward, live our lives to the best of our moral and ethical ability and learn from our choices and actions – it’s all part of the processing of learning and growing.

I guess you could say that my father was my own personal Yoda.   The easiest way to make a choice is by making the most educated, emotionally and mentally rested one.

The following is a simple and quick guide:

4 Tips How to Simplify Decision Making

1. Write – Do your due diligence on your choices. Write down all elements of your choice (or choices) along with the pros and cons. Studies show that writing things down helps your brain to process and ORGANIZE information, clear the mind and reduce anxiety. This provides you a great platform to start contemplating your decision.

2. Sleep On It –  After writing everything down, sleep on it and give your mind time to process the information. Most often people wake-up the next day with much more clarity on the “best” choice(s).

3. Share –  Share your written list with a trusted family member, friend, colleague, etc. Now this is not so you can solicit advice or answers. This is so you can here yourself explain the choices and the all the options. Explaining your choices/options to others is another brain processing technique to help you analyze them.

4. Choose –  Trust in yourself and have confidence to “Pull the trigger.” you are ready to make the appropriate choice for you!

If you are still having difficulty making a decision… If you have time, here is more guidance for your decision making process:

Decision-Making Strategies

Article

The following is an article I have referred to in the past and found helpful! You can copy and paste your favorites and print them out and put them on your bathroom mirror as a reminder http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-make-a-difficult-decision-30-tips-to-help-you-choose/

For example: “Make a patient effort and have confidence in yourself as decision maker. Whatever choice you make is valid, as you can gain experience and wisdom through any experience, preferred or not. – Meagan Le Dagger” (Deschene, n.d., para. 12).

Video

This video looks at rational-linear and intuitive decision-making techniques. Personal decision-making style is featured, showing how a person’s values, willingness to take risks, and ability to be objective all influence the decision-making process. (28 minutes)

Length: 28mins — To view this video, click on the link:  http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=18596&xtid=34513

I hope the article and video help you in your decision-making journey! Also, don’t forget Ben Parvin said, “There are no right or wrong choices; there are only choices.”  

References

Films Media Group. (2004). Decision-making strategies [H.264]. Available from http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=18596&xtid=34513.

Deschene, L. (n.d.).   How to make a difficult decision: 30 ideas to help you choose . Retrieved February 27, 2013 from http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-make-a-difficult-decision-30-tips-to-help-you-choose/

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