Considering your next move?

by Lynette Allen

So...faced with your average day to day issue, my guess is that you'll make speedy decisions based on several factors. Those factors will be things like, previous experience, what your instinct says, facts and figures or even what other people say - they will all play their part in your decision making process.

Most of us make decisions using these tools hundreds of times a day from what to have for dinner, who to phone or which way to drive home. When it comes to decisions that aren't so easy though, how do you make those? Well I have a 3 step strategy that might just help:

1. Find some space
   When making a decision, space is one of the most important things you can give yourself. It's tempting to make a decision on the spot - particularly if you know some is waiting for the answer. By taking some time to consider the decision, you'll be giving yourself time to see the options available to you. Also when you're under pressure you won't see the solutions, just the blockages - which leads me to my next step...

2. Do something different
   When we do something completely different, it gives our subconscious minds the opportunity to hunt around our brains for solutions that we've never thought of before. So part of the decision making process is all about doing something fun. Playing with children, nieces or nephews, going to the beach or taking yourself off to the cinema can help. If you've got a hobby such as golf, badminton, riding, take yourself off and forget about the decision for a short time, when you get back, you'll be in a clearer frame of mind to make the decision that's right for you.

3. Avoid asking anyone else's opinion
   I love this one because it's what most of us do in times of stress - we ask the world and their mother what they would do! It only goes to confuse us more though and actually gives other people power over our decisions. Instead, try not asking for an opinion and see where it gets you. Give yourself the opportunity to make your own choice, without the influence of others and trust that you'll make a great decision in the end.

Try this today and see what you think!

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