There are two key elements which need to be in place to maximise your chances of making powerful decisions that are right for you. First of all, get absolutely clear on your goals. What do you really want your life to look like in a year's time; in five years; in ten years? What would you most regret if it never happened, or if you never made it happen? Next, do some work to identify your core values.
Making powerful decisions rests on these twin pillars - a clear vision of what you want your life to be like and clarity and knowledge round your own absolute core values. With this foundation in place you will find it much easier to make effective decisions fairly quickly. You can then measure each decision against your goals and core values, instead of just reacting to what life throws at you.
A fun exercise you might like to try to get access to your own inner wisdom: imagine yourself aged 80 or 90, looking back on your life. What advice would your older, wiser self give the younger you? Write a letter to yourself and see what comes up. Do this with a pen and paper rather than on your computer screen. This way you will have more direct access to your creative, right brain.
The best decisions are often made from the heart as well as the head. And let's not forget our powerful gut instincts. Intuition can be a very powerful ally when it comes to making difficult decisions. Make sure to check in with your own intuition when processing important decisions in your life or business.
Here are some useful things you can do which will help you make a strong decision:
* It is very helpful to have your written goals to hand so that you are always clear on where you are headed. You can then ask yourself, which decision here will bring me closer to my goals?
* Even before setting your goals, try the following exercise. Write down your core values. What really needs to be present for you in say, a job or a relationship.
* Make a Pros and Cons list. Draw a line down the middle of a sheet of paper and list all the reasons for and against a decision. For instance, that new job may have a higher salary, but if the commute is going to add three hours to your working day, is it worth it? Your values list will help you here. Seeing all this information written down can really help you get clarity.
* Discuss your decision with people you trust, but not people who have a vested interest in influencing you in a particular direction.
* Make sure you have all the information you need but don't fall into the trap of "analysis paralysis"!
* Project forward five years visualising the consequences of each decision. (This can take a bit of practice).
* Take professional advice if appropriate.
Try asking yourself the following questions:
* What will you gain if you do this?
* What do you stand to lose if you don't do this?
* Is it a genuine want based on your values, or is it a "should" from outside? "Should" and "Have to" are often warning signs that we are doing something because of other people's values - not our own. Try changing it to "choose" or "would like to" and see how you feel about the decision now.
* Who else will be affected by this decision?
* What has it cost you personally and professionally to be indecisive?
* What's really stopping you?
Some of the underlying issues around indecision are very similar to those around procrastination. Another potential danger area is perfectionism. If we wait for something to be perfect, we may be waiting a very long time. Indecision can have a negative impact on your life and lead to missed opportunities. If fear is at the root of your indecision, I highly recommend "Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway" by Susan Jeffers. You might also want to consider counselling or coaching round this issue.
Remember - if you make a decision and it's not right for you, you can always change your mind, but we miss 100% of the shots we don't take!
Mark Twain said: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones that you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream, discover."
Try it!
Shona Partridge is a small business marketing and PR expert and coach. She works with women entrepreneurs and the self employed, teaching PR, Marketing, Writing and Confidence skills. Shona is a licensed "Get Clients Now!" facilitator, PR professional, experienced coach and trained journalist. She's the author of "Self Belief for the Self Employed: How Boosting your Confidence Can Boost Your Business" a new CD and workbook programme and creator of the marketing and PR training system"Marketing Mastery, 12 Key Steps to Success".
Visit http://www.womenmeanbusiness.co.uk for your free Special Reports: WORK EFFECTIVELY FROM HOME and MARKETING MASTERY
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