How to make decisions with confidence
How do you make decisions with confidence, when a simple decision can change your life forever? We make simple decisions all the time, and others, more complicated. Many times, clients have come to me, totally stressed asking what they should or should not do.
“Should I take the morning after pill?” This was a question asked me by a happily married woman in her thirties. She continued to say, “I’m quite sure I got pregnant last night. We were going to wait for next year, so the timing is not perfect, but my husband says that it doesn’t matter, so now it’s up to me. Should I take it? I can’t decide. What do you think I should do?
What I told her is that, by not making a decision, she actually IS making a decision. She’s making a decision not to commit and allow whatever happens to happen. If you don’t make a choice it can cause you needless stress and uncertainty.
So, if you’re one of those people who can’t make up their minds, be assured that you’re not alone that all this can change and here’s how to make decisions with confidence:
Stop Analyzing: The more we think of making a decision, the more complicated it can get. Sometimes, even the simplest decision, like what to wear can become an over-processed ordeal. If this is your case, you can simplify it. Choose 2 outfits the night before and stick to it. The first is what you’ll wear, and the second is a back-up in case there is a weather change. What confuses you is the ‘what ifs’.
In the case of my former client, it would be ‘what if I won’t get pregnant when I want to’, ‘What if I don’t want to be tied down right now’. The more you analyze the situation, the more uncertain you become. What if there are no what ifs? Don’t dramatize the situation. Once you take a stand for you decision, you’ll deal with it.
Intuition: I love the expression ” Go with your gut!” It’s true. You can ask 5 different people and get 5 different answers and plenty of advice. `You can also look for signs from the universe but don’t. Deep down inside, you already know what’s right for you. Trust your intuition believe in yourself.
Be Positive: Whatever you’ve chosen, create a positive outcome out of it no doom and gloom, no regrets. Your attitude means everything, so don’t question yourself. Be optimistic and tell yourself that the choice you made at the time, was the best one you.
Experience: Whatever happens right or wrong it’s all part of the learning experience. Don’t beat yourself up with guilt or shame. We can only learn by making mistakes, so don’t dwell in negativity and drama simply move on.
Keep it simple: We can’t have it all, so be selective. Ask yourself what matters to you not yesterday, not tomorrow now. What are your goals? What’s your direction? Stay focused on what you want in life and stay clear of the minor details. Most decisions are not as complicated as you make them. When you keep it simple, you won’t put obstacles in your way.
I hope this information helps you become more assertive and regarding that indecisive client I mentioned earlier well, as you must have surmised, had she NOT wanted to get pregnant, she would have taken the pill as soon as she got it. Since making NO decision was her decision, she chose to let what would happen happen. The result was that now she’s the proud mother of a beautiful baby boy.
Can you make decisions with confidence? I’d love to hear your comments, insight and suggestions. If you have an issue that you’d like to discuss privately, please contact me for a free ½ conversation. Looking forward to hearing from you.
