How do you usually make a decision? Do you act impulsively, or
over complicate? Knowing our personal quirks and decision drivers can help
control irrationality and impulsiveness, which help control irrationality and
impulsiveness, which can then lead to better decisions in tough situations.
Let’s take a look at nine strategies for making better decisions in crucial
moments
1. Weigh
the consequences: if you start at the end first, it can help simplify a
decision. For instance, think about what you can and cannot live with. This can
help eliminate options and keep things in an appropriate perspective
2. Think
first: this one is for the impulsive decision makers out there. When you’re
caught up in the momentum of something, try to take a deep breath. Give
yourself a few seconds to re-evaluate the choice. Even better to sleep on it or
at least give yourself some space to process the decision with a walk or some
quiet time
3. Do
what’s right:
as they say, “you can do what’s right or you can do what’s easy” the
whistleblowers throughout history (think Erin Brockovich, or those at Enron or
Bernie Madoff’s office) had to choose. While their lives became
tough for a while, they could look atthemselves in the mirror and sleep at
night
knowing they’d done the right thing. We all deserve the same peace
of mind choose right over easy.
4. Listen
to your intuition: Malcolm Gladwell’s bestselling book Blink publicized what
most of us already knew sometimes that gut feeling is the right feeling, even
if we don’t know why. If perfectly logical choices to take a job, date someone,
or purchase something have our stomachs in knots, we nee to examine that red
flag. Many times what we can’t consciously explain can be the difference
between a good choice and something we’ll regret
5. Understand
emotion: understanding our feelings and how they motivate our behaviors can be
the key to changing personal patterns. We may be surprise by how much of what
we do is based on irrational emotions. Think about that date the wrong men ( or
perhaps it’s you)
6. Feel
the pressure: knowing
what is driving the people around us can make a big difference in the way
decisions are made, and the outcomes down the road. Are things being driven by
pride, desire to advance, greed or power trips? Or, is there truly sensible
reason that the pressure is on? Knowing the answer can help you move forward or
stand clear of unnecessary stress and drama
7. Know
your motive: deciding something to keep up with the Joneses, because it’s what
our parents want, or to prove something to somebody, can be the right course of
action, but only if we understand what we are doing. Looking at our personal
motives behind a decision can help us evaluate if it is a good choice. If the
answer to “why am I doing this?” Isn’t
a motive we’d be proud of, it is time to re-evaluate that decision.
8. Decide
not to decide: when it comes right down to A or B, sometimes the right decision
is – C. simply say “I don’t care for either at this time” or suggest a third
option to alleviate the pressure and get a better outcome. One thing I’ve
realized over time is that one opportunity follows another, so there will
always be another one coming. It just may not be as big or perfect as the one
you see now
9. Flip
a coin: yes, really. I’ve done this myself. When you get down to A or B and
flip a coin, it does more than giving you a choice. It shows you how happy you
are with that choice. If you get the outcome and your heart sinks, then you get
an instant read on what your gut thought of the decision. Works every time!
Entrepreneur mentor Ali Brown teaches women around the world how to start and
grow profitable business that make a positive impact
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