Don’t waste time and energy over making the right decision - make the decision right.
Decision-making can be a daunting task, particularly when the stakes are high. We've all experienced that moment of paralysis, weighing up the various alternatives, trying to predict the outcome, desperately seeking the 'perfect' choice. But what if I told you this approach might be holding us back?
Our fixation on making the 'right' decision can in fact be counterproductive. The opposite of the “wrong” decision isn’t necessarily the “right” decision - which is why regret is so futile.
We often over-emphasise the moment of choice, losing sight of what truly matters - the journey that follows. By focusing on the decision, our agency and ownership of the outcome diminishes as does the effort we put into making it work. Conversely if we focus on what’s required after the decision has been made, we start to see how in fact any choice could succeed and restore that sense of agency.
The fact is even the most meticulously planned decision doesn't guarantee success, just as a seemingly suboptimal choice doesn't doom us to failure. It's our subsequent actions and commitment that ultimately determine the success or otherwise.
While we pride ourselves on our pragmatism, we mustn't underestimate the power of intuition and emotion in decision-making. Research from Stanford University suggests that successful decisions are those where the decision-maker remains committed to their choice. And what drives that commitment? Often, it's our gut feeling.
This doesn't mean abandoning logic. Rather, it's about striking a balance between analytical thinking and emotional intelligence - we need to tune into both our rational minds and our instincts.
So next time you are faced with a decision, big or small, try this approach instead;
*Embrace your intuition - Don't dismiss that gut feeling. It's often your subconscious processing complex information.
*Visualise the future - For each option, imagine where it might lead you in six months or a year. This can provide valuable insights.
*Assess your motivation - Consider which path you're most driven to make successful. Your level of commitment can be a deciding factor.
*Plan for action - Instead of endless analysis, start planning your next steps for each potential choice. This shifts your focus from the decision itself to the journey ahead.
*Accept imperfection - There's no such thing as a perfect decision. The key is being prepared to work hard to make your choice successful.
Remember, it's not about making the right decision every time. It's about making every decision right, through our actions and commitment.
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