10 Steps To Make Big Decisions Look Like A Walk In The Park
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Have you ever stared down a decision that felt like a looming mountain, unsure which path to take? Maybe it was the heart-pounding choice of changing your career path and starting over or moving to a foreign country, learning a new language, and fearing failure without anything to show for it. Perhaps it was the nerve-wracking decision to have a baby and commit to caring for your child as long as you live.
Big Decisions In Life
Big decisions – those weighty choices with long-term consequences – are a natural part of life. They define those moments where what you decide can make or break your life, hence called life decisions. They can take you closer to your goal or throw you in a loop till you learn from your mistakes and find your way back.
But don’t let the size of those decisions overtake you. Instead, make conscious, informed choices. And if they didn't turn out as expected, learn from them and make better decisions in the future.
As said by the successful American businesswoman Jillian Micheals:
“Whenever you’re making an important decision, first ask if it gets you closer to your goals or farther away. If the answer is closer, pull the trigger. If it’s farther away, make a different choice. Conscious choice-making is a critical step in making your dreams a reality.”
A. The Duality of Big Decisions
Chairperson of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates says:
“The biggest risk is not taking any risk... In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”
Big decisions can be exciting, bringing the promise of new beginnings and personal growth. But let's be honest - they can also be downright terrifying. But don’t fear risk and change. There’s no reward without risk and higher risks bring better and more promising changes and gains.
Big Decisions
The fear of making the wrong choice, the uncertainty of the future, and the potential for regret – these anxieties can leave us feeling paralyzed. But approaching big decisions doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking ordeal. You can overcome the fears of making life-altering decisions, embrace the positivity, and look forward to the change with excitement.
In this guide, we'll break down the process of making big decisions without giving in to your fears and doubts. We'll explore how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster, gather vital information, and ultimately, make a choice that aligns with your values and goals.
B. The Power of Taking Control in Big Decisions
The iconic leader, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for fighting against discrimination. When he was finally released, he faced a monumental decision: get revenge for the injustices he endured or work towards reconciliation and healing for his nation. Mandela chose the latter, a courageous decision that paved the way for a more unified South Africa.
The key to approaching big decisions is to look at the overall outcome. If Nelson Mandela had gone after revenge, he would have further weakened an already unstabilized country. Instead, he chose the path of greater good for his people.
Big decisions are deciding whether to buy a home in a developing area where you and your family will have to commute for school and work or never buy and stay on rent because with your finances, buying a house in the city is impossible.
Examples Of Big Decisions
My personal big decision example is when I decided to leave a stable job in which I was heading the sales of many leading laundry, skin cleansing, haircare, and skincare brands. After 15 years of being in the industry and leaving the safety and security of a career I was successful in was not an easy decision. But my dream was to start my own business where I could follow my vision where I could help others like myself navigate big decisions and set a definite path for success.
Another big decision I made was to take up tennis when learning a new sport is extremely challenging. It’s like training your body to adapt to a new dance and technique with opponents who’ve been doing this for years. However, my ambition and drive to conquer something new kept me from giving up, despite losses and obstacles until I became a pro at the game.
These big decisions, from career changes to following your dreams and supporting your family through it all, ensure a balance in what our life is made of. Like deciding to have children when both me and my wife had demanding jobs. Or balancing our professional and personal loves to give our kids the stability and love they need as they grow.
Big decisions are what provide the momentum to keep taking our life forward, removing redundancy and promoting action to keep growing and learning.
Do you want to compromise on short-term challenges such as waking up earlier, spending more on gas, and moving a good distance from your family and friends? It’s up to you to decide whether you will have a home of your own to retire to or leave to your kids years later.
The decision you make now will impact you and your family for years to come, whether negative or positive is up to you to decide based on your values, goals, and needs.
Approaching big decisions with a clear head and a well-defined strategy, and removing emotions and fears can lead to making the right decisions.
C. How To Make Big Decisions In 10 StepsOwning Your Choices - How to Make Big Decisions ?
Big decisions can feel overwhelming because they often involve unchartered territory. Investing in a new business venture means researching the market conditions, feasibility, risk, opportunity costs, and an extensive new set of financial investment considerations.
But before you dive into the nitty-gritty research, the first step is to turn inward and own your decision-making process. Here's how to make big decisions confidently:
How To Make Big Decisions
1. Identify Your Values
What truly matters to you in life? Is it stability and security? Adventure and exploration? Understanding your core values acts as a compass, guiding your choices toward a life that feels fulfilling.
Are you tired of working for other people’s goals and vision? Do you long to apply your ideas and creativity and make your empire? Or does job security and a monthly paycheck matter more than the risks of starting your venture? Find your answers to see what fulfills you and aligns with your dreams.
According to author and entrepreneur Steve Jobs, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle."
Identifying your core values is essential for loving what you do, which applies to both your career path and the big decisions you make in life.
2. Acknowledge Your Biases
We all have unconscious biases that can cloud our judgment. As social psychologist Daniel Kahneman explains in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow:
“Biases can be very helpful...but they can also lead to serious errors.”
Understanding your biases is crucial to avoiding such errors in your decision-making process. Confirmation bias, for instance, leads us to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs.
When investing in your business, you might only focus on the positive aspects such as being your own boss and having flexibility. But ignoring the fact that it also brings more responsibility, accountability, and ownership means you’re not looking at the big picture.
When buying a house, this might look like focusing solely on the positive aspects of a particular neighborhood while ignoring potential drawbacks. Being aware of your biases allows for a more balanced perspective, highlighting both the pros and cons so that you can make rational and objective decisions.
3. Evaluate Strengths and Weaknesses
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is essential for making sound decisions. Nobody is perfect and knowing where you lack and need help can make for better future planning when making big decisions.
Are you a meticulous planner who thrives on research? Utilize those strengths when doing market, profitability, and competitor research. On the other hand, if you struggle with organization, consider a partnership with someone you can trust, balancing your weaknesses and complementing your strengths.
4. Gather Information Like a Pro
With a clear understanding of your values and a healthy dose of self-awareness, you're ready to tackle the next step: gathering information.
This is where the research phase kicks in. You'll need to explore everything from finances such as the investment needed, fixed and running expenses, and calculating for unexpected market situations.
Avoid the temptation to get sucked into an information black hole. Focus your research on the specific decision at hand. Buying a house? Research average home prices in your target area, explore school districts if you have children, and compare commute times to your workplace. Don't waste time getting lost in generic real estate statistics for the entire country.
5. Seekout Multiple Perspectives
Ken Blanchard, co-author of "The One Minute Manager” said:
“Knowledge is power, but so is perspective. “None of us is as smart as all of us.”
When gathering information, cast a wide net and seek out diverse perspectives to gain a well-rounded understanding of your options. Don't rely solely on online sources or brochures. Talk to people who have experience with your decision.
Thinking about starting a business? Chat with friends or business owners in your circle, get their insights on market challenges, and join forums with people who have had similar experiences.
6. Consider All Options
Sometimes, the best course of action isn't the most obvious one. Before you set your heart on a particular choice, explore all your options.
In the case of starting your venture, consider the long and short-term profitability and whether you can sustain yourself in the initial months. Maybe you could have a sleeping partner invest or if the market conditions seem unstable, you could plan and set some steps in motion, staying at your current job and striking when the moment seems right.
Gathering well-rounded information minimizes the risk of mistakes, allowing you to evaluate your options and the internal and external factors in detail to make an informed decision.
7. Craft a Pros & Cons List
This age-old technique might seem simple, but it's surprisingly effective. Make a list of the pros and cons of starting your business venture. Weigh the financial implications of leaving your job or current income source against the potential benefits of ownership. Don't be afraid to get into the nitty-gritty.
Does more responsibility appeal to you? Factor that in. Can you weather the initial drain on income and lower profit initially? Add it to the list. By visually comparing the pros and cons, you can gain valuable perspective and identify which option best aligns with your priorities.
"Getting everything down on paper allows you to look at it objectively," advises productivity guru David Allen. A pros and cons list helps you externalize the decision-making process, allowing you to analyze the options logically and emotionally before committing to a choice.
8. Visualize the Outcomes
The religious teacher Buddha said:
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
Visualization is a powerful tool that enables you to experience the potential consequences of your choices before you make them. Don't just analyze the decision, feel it.
Take time to imagine yourself living in each potential scenario. Picture yourself handling more than one job, hiring people, and setting things in motion by selling your services or products. Imagine opening your new store or entering your office with purpose and determination.
Conversely, envision the potential drawbacks of each choice. Are you resilient enough to keep trying, networking, marketing, and getting customers for your business? How will you handle the initial challenges of a new venture? By engaging your imagination, you can gain a deeper understanding of the emotional impact of each option.
9. Sleep on It, Literally!
Sometimes, the best way to gain clarity is to simply step away. Our brains need time to consolidate memories and experiences, explains neuroscientist Matthew Walker.
After diligently researching and comparing options, give yourself some time to process the information. Sleep on it if you need to. Taking a break from the decision allows your subconscious mind to work through the information, potentially leading to a more intuitive and well-rounded choice. When you revisit the decision with a fresh perspective, the best choice might become clear.
10. Trust Your Gut (But Not Blindly)
Intuition can be a powerful tool, but it shouldn't operate in a vacuum. Don't ignore the whispers of your gut, but also don't let fear or anxiety cloud your judgment. Use your research and analysis as a foundation, and allow your intuition to guide you to the most fulfilling choice.
My own turning point arrived during a period of introspection in my career. The financial security of my job was undeniable, but a nagging sense of unfulfillment gnawed at me. I craved a career that ignited my passions and challenged me intellectually.
Leveraging the decision-making framework I discuss here – crafting a pros and cons list, vividly visualizing my future in each scenario, and allowing myself time to process – I arrived at a crossroads.
The decision to pursue a new career path wasn't easy, but by trusting my gut and following these steps, I was able to choose with clarity and confidence. Today, I look back on that experience with gratitude. It wasn't just about a new job title; it was about taking control of my destiny and aligning my work with my core values.
Following these steps can transform the decision-making process from a dreaded chore into an empowering act of self-discovery!
E. Big Decisions: Taking Action and Embracing the Journey
You've identified your values, gathered valuable information, and meticulously weighed the pros and cons. Now you've finally made your big decision – congratulations!
Whether you've decided to face the world of business on your own, accept that dream job, or embark on a life-changing adventure, the feeling of accomplishment can be exhilarating. But remember, the decision itself is just the beginning.
How To Implement Big Decision
Here's how to take action and embrace the journey that unfolds after you've made your big choice:
I. Stay Committed to Your Choice
Wholehearted commitment is key to avoiding second-guessing and self-doubt. Once you've made your decision, believe in it!
This doesn't mean ignoring potential roadblocks, but rather approaching them with a proactive mindset. Big Decision of moving to a new city for a job? Anticipate challenges like finding an apartment and building a social circle, but also focus on the exciting possibilities this new chapter holds.
II. Develop an Action Plan
Big decisions often lead to big actions. Don't be overwhelmed by the next steps – break them down into manageable tasks.
Buying a house? Create a timeline for securing a mortgage, scheduling inspections, and coordinating the move. Having a clear action plan keeps you focused and motivated throughout the process.
III. Be Flexible
The philosopher Heraclitus said:
“The only constant in life is change”
Life rarely goes according to plan. The unexpected can happen, straying you from your initial course. The key is to embrace the unknown with flexibility and manage the curveballs of your post-decision journey with grace and resilience.
Moving to a new city? Perhaps your dream apartment falls through, but a charming, unexpected option becomes available. Be open to adapting your plan while staying true to your overall goals.
IV. Celebrate Your Journey
The journey towards achieving a big decision is just as important as the final outcome. Don't wait until you've reached your ultimate destination to celebrate your progress.
Closed your first deal? Maybe you had to negotiate and lower your price to do it but it’s a positive start! Taking the time to celebrate small wins keeps you motivated and reminds you of how far you've come.
Remember, big decisions are an inevitable part of life. So take a deep breath, trust your gut, and conquer those big decisions – they can be the stepping stones to something better and more rewarding.
F. Decyz POV on Big Decisions
Big decisions can be daunting, but they also offer immense opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Yes, the process can be stressful. But the reward of having a business that you lead to achieve your goals can be life-changing.
The key takeaway? Don't wait for big decisions to wash over you. Seize the opportunity with confidence. Utilizing the strategies you've learned in this guide, transform those big decisions into stepping stones on the path to a life filled with purpose and meaning.
So, the next time a significant choice looms on the horizon, don't wait for it to pass. Instead, seize it to achieve your ambitions and get the outcome you want.
