Making decisions is obviously an important part of every day life, whether it be at work or at home. Not making decisions, for whatever reason, can lead to emotional turmoil, torment and frustration.
The stress related to and caused by these things releases chemicals in the brain which only makes it even more difficult to make the decision and to take the relevant action.
Implementing strategies to help you make quick and effective decisions will not only release the negative emotional burden of not making the decision but also help you make progress and implement necessary change much quicker.
Successful people make quick decisions.
In my experience, this is a prevalent and consistent characteristic of the many successful people I encounter either in person or in the wider community through books, podcasts, documentaries etc. We are lucky to have access to this type of information as we can learn from the experience of the most successful people in business and life.
In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The next best thing is the wrong thing and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
“It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped”
- TONY ROBBINS, leading coach to some of the world’s most successful politicians, business people and sports performers.
The key elements that successful people have in common are that firstly, they are not frightened of making the wrong decision, and also are able to find an effective balance between being analytical or logical, whilst also trusting their gut feel, or in other words, using their intuition.
The perfect decision doesn’t exist.
The fear of making the wrong decision can often prevent people making any decision. However, 51% of the relevant information should be enough to commit to the decision.
A wrong decision made quickly is usually better than no decision at all, because by making it, it will subsequently give you more options or information to help you make a better decision next time.
Making decisions breeds confidence, confidence helps you make more decisions.
Successful people are able to balance logic and intuition to reach effective decisions quickly.
Here are 6 tips that can help you make better decisions, faster...
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1. LIMIT YOUR OPTIONS
It's good to be open to considering possibilities but you can't choose them all. Limit your options to just a few and then consider the potential pitfalls of each.
2. DRAW A LINE BETWEEN GOOD AND BAD CHOICES
What are the repercussions if you don't decide quickly? What challenges are you currently facing due to not making a decision?
3. LISTEN TO YOUR GUT FEELING
Do your analysis, but don't forget to listen to your gut feeling. Your intuition can be a powerful tool. “Your stomach is the body’s second brain.... Learn to listen to it”
4. THINK OF YOUR TIME AND ENERGY AS MONEY
The most valuable thing you have got is your time and your energy - don't waste it unnecessarily through indecision and procrastination.
5. KNOW THAT DECISIVENESS GROWS WITH EACH DECISION
Be decisive. Making decisions will make you better at making decisions.
6. REMEMBER THAT INDECISION KILLS
Indecisive thinking and not making decisions will kill progress and growth. Not making the decision only continues the emotional turmoil.
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Article by Trevor Norman
trevor@tribero.co.uk
Trevor is a leadership coach and cognitive behavioural therapist and specialises in organisational behavioural analytics and team dynamics.