Decisions, decisions…
Every day, from the moment we wake up until we fall asleep, we are confronted with choices.
Some may seem insignificant, like choosing what to wear or what to have for breakfast, while others carry more weight, such as decisions about our careers, relationships or money. The truth is, decision-making is an integral part of human life, and understanding its importance is key to personal growth and success.
In this blog, we are going to look at the importance of decision-making, why some people struggle with it and a process to help you to make them!
Why do people struggle so much with decisions?
There are various reasons and the difficulty can vary depending on the individual and the context of the decision. Here are some common factors that contribute to decision-making struggles:
Fear of Making the Wrong Choice: The fear of making a mistake or choosing the wrong option can petrify some individuals. This fear of failure or the consequences of a decision can be overwhelming and lead to decision-making difficulties
Overthinking: Some people tend to over-analyse and overthink their choices. They may dwell on the potential outcomes, worry about all the "what-ifs," and struggle to settle on a decision
Perfectionism: Perfectionists often set unrealistically high standards for themselves. They may hesitate to decide if they feel it won't meet their ideal or if they fear it won't be perfect
Lack of Information: Insufficient information or a lack of clarity about the options can make decision-making challenging. Without a clear understanding of the potential outcomes or consequences, individuals may hesitate to commit to a choice
Decision Overload: When faced with too many choices, some people can feel overwhelmed. This phenomenon, known as decision fatigue, can make it difficult to make even simple decisions. This is me when a friend says, “Where do you want to meet for lunch, you pick”!! I literally cannot decide as there are too many options and what if the meal isn’t really wonderful?!!
Low Self-Esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem may doubt their ability to make good decisions. They may fear judgment from others or lack confidence in their judgment, making the decision-making process a source of anxiety
External Pressures: External pressures, such as societal expectations, family influence, or workplace demands, can add complexity to decision-making. Balancing personal desires with external expectations can create internal conflict
Avoidance of Responsibility: Some people may fear the responsibility that comes with making decisions, especially significant ones. This fear of accountability can lead to avoidance and indecision
Emotional Factors: Strong emotions, such as anxiety or stress, or fear, can cloud judgment and make it challenging to make rational decisions. Emotional turmoil may lead to impulsive choices or a complete inability to decide
Vincent Van Gogh - "You cannot make progress without making decisions."
We now know why people struggle, can’t we just let other people make them and we go along with things?
Sadly the answer to that question is, no, not really!
Why is it so important to make decisions?
Decision-Making Shapes Your Life
Our lives are a culmination of the choices we make. Each decision we make sets us on a certain path, leading to unique experiences and outcomes. Whether it's the decision to pursue a particular career, travel to a new country, or start a family, your choices shape the trajectory of your life.
Decision-Making Builds Character
The process of decision-making is not just about selecting options; it's about weighing up pros and cons, considering consequences, and aligning choices with your values. Each decision you make reflects your character and the principles you hold. Making ethical and responsible decisions helps you develop a strong and admirable character, which, in turn, gains respect and trust from others.
Decision-Making Fosters Personal Growth
One of the most powerful catalysts for personal growth is the act of making decisions. The more decisions you make, the more you learn about yourself and your preferences. Whether the outcomes are positive or negative, they provide valuable lessons that contribute to your development as an individual. Embracing the growth that stems from decision-making is essential for a fulfilling life.
Decision-Making Empowers You
The ability to make decisions empowers you to take control of your life. It enables you to shape your destiny, set goals, and work toward achieving them. Without this skill, you would be at the mercy of circumstances, leaving your life directionless and lacking purpose. When you make choices, you become the captain of your ship, steering it in your chosen direction.
Decision-Making Enhances Problem-Solving Skills
Decision-making and problem-solving are closely related. Every decision-making process involves evaluating problems and finding solutions. The more decisions you make, the more proficient you become at identifying challenges, assessing options, and resolving issues effectively.
Decision-Making at Work
In the business world, effective decision-making is a critical skill. Leaders and employees alike must make choices that can impact the success of the organisation. A leader's ability to make strategic decisions can influence the entire company's direction, while employees' decisions can impact their careers and the overall efficiency of the workplace.
Don Yaeger "When faced with two equally tough choices, most people choose the third choice: to not choose."
Tips to help make decisions
So if I now have you convinced you need to make the decisions, here are some simple tips to use and try when you have your next decision ‘mind block’:
Gather Relevant Information: Make informed decisions by collecting all relevant information. Research, consult experts, and seek advice from those who have experience in the matter. The more information you have, the better equipped you are to make a thoughtful decision
Consider the Consequences: Evaluate the potential outcomes and consequences of each option. Consider both short-term and long-term effects
Use a Decision-Making Framework: Employ decision-making frameworks such as a pros and cons list, a decision matrix, a weighted decision matrix or Edward De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats. These tools can help you objectively evaluate different options, making it easier to compare them and choose the one that best aligns with your objectives
Trust Your Intuition: While rational analysis is essential, don't underestimate the power of your intuition. Pay attention to your gut feelings and instincts. Sometimes, your subconscious mind can process information faster than your conscious mind, leading you to a sound decision
Consider the Timing: Some decisions require immediate action, while others benefit from a more deliberate approach. Assess the urgency of the decision and give yourself the appropriate amount of time to think it through. Avoid making hasty decisions under pressure whenever possible
Break Down Complex Decisions: If faced with a complex decision, break it down into smaller, more manageable parts. Addressing each aspect separately can make the decision-making process less overwhelming and allow you to focus on one aspect at a time
Learn from Past Decisions: Reflect on your past decisions and their outcomes. Identify patterns and lessons that can guide you in future decision-making. Acknowledge both successful and unsuccessful decisions, as both provide valuable insights
Consider Alternatives: Don't limit yourself to the most obvious choices. Explore alternative options and be open to unconventional solutions. This approach can broaden your perspective and lead to more creative and innovative decisions
Seek Feedback: Discuss your options with trusted friends, family members, or colleagues. Others may provide valuable insights and perspectives that you might not have considered. However, remember that the final decision is ultimately yours
Embrace Flexibility: Recognise that not all decisions have a one-size-fits-all solution. Be open to adapting your decisions based on new information or changing circumstances. Flexibility is a valuable quality in effective decision-making
Be kind to yourself too… it depends on the enormity of the decision you need to take as to how many of those steps you need to do. If it’s about the lunch venue where you are meeting a friend, you can’t go wrong if it's only about catching up with them. However, if you have to make a financially driven business decision, you might well want to follow all of the steps above!
David Russell - "In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing."
Your key takeaways are:
Decision-making can be tough for some - fear, overthinking, perfectionism, lack of information, decision overload, low self-esteem, external pressures, and emotional factors contribute to decision-making struggles
It is important to make decisions – they shape lives, build character, foster growth, empower control, and enhance problem-solving skills
Decision-making is a skill that improves with practice
Incorporate tips for confidence and clarity - consider consequences, use frameworks, trust intuition, consider timing, break down complex decisions, learn from the past, explore alternatives, seek feedback
By incorporating these hints and tips into your decision-making process, you can approach choices with greater confidence and clarity and don't be afraid to embrace the learning opportunities that come with each decision you make.
If you want to chat through some of these ‘steps’ or other tools, or even have someone external listen to you talk through your options, get in touch – it’s what I am here for.
