Life is packed with decisions like what to wear to work, what coffee to order, or where to go on vacation. These are small decisions many of us wonder every day. The problem occurs when we have to make big decisions that could be life altering. For example, moving to another city, leaving your significant other, asking for a promotion, or looking for a different job requires soul searching and consideration. Big decisions are hard. Even for adults, there are times when we just want to hide under the covers to postpone the decision.
The sad truth is hiding under the covers is a decision itself. Not moving to New York, not asking to become Project Manager, or staying with your significant other is rejecting change or the chance to make more money. Deciding can have serious life altering consequences.
If you have big decisions to make, don’t hide. Ask yourself these questions and write down the answers to help you decide which choices are the best for you.
How Long Have I Been Thinking About This?
Length of time can be a good indicator of how serious you are. If you’re thinking about quitting your job and starting a business for yourself, ask yourself how long it’s been on your mind. If your answer is a few months, then perhaps you need to give it more thought. However, if it has been on your mind for 2 or 3 years, perhaps it is time to give the thought more consideration and to research the idea.
How Does My Body Feel About This Potential Decision?
Look at how your body responds about your potential decision. Try to imagine yourself a few months down the road after you’ve made the decision. Do you feel excited, nervous, or a bit relieved? These are all positive emotions. Beware of feelings of indifference or dullness.
Can I Deal With The Fallout?
We are free to make choices, but are not free from the consequence of our choice. No matter what we decide, there will always be a corresponding consequence. To determine which course of action is best, see how you will be able to handle the possible fallout. Going to business, for example, could have a big impact on your financial stability. How will you handle the first few lean years until your idea really takes off? What are your plans to ensure that you can handle the different parts of your decision today?
Is Now The Right Time?
Not all decision can be made immediately, but there are also decisions that get harder and more complicated as you delay making them. Life is uncertain but it goes on with or without your decision. The important thing to ask yourself if you’re delaying a decision is how it will affect yourself in the future.
Who Am I Doing This For?
Don’t let other people’s agenda sway your decision. While it is always important to put into consideration others feelings or interests, it does not mean that you have to always sacrifice your needs or feelings just for a person. When you have to make a big decision, try to see how it will benefit you and others.
We all get intimidated when making a big decision. Bottom line, not all decisions are necessarily permanent. What is important to remember is to think about how your decision will affect your grand scheme in life. You don’t have to ask everybody what they think because it is your opinion that matters.
