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Decision Dynamics
Decisions. Whether they are easy or difficult, they always matter. Let's make the majority of our decisions based on good habits we've formed through intentional action.
Everyday we face countless choices on what to do with our time. Most of them seem unrelated and unimportant while others are stressful and impactful. Many of us tend to push the stressful ones to the side and avoid pain until it becomes unavoidable. This is why proactivity is so important to the success and happiness we deserve. Making decisions is not a case by case matter, it's a way of living. It is also our method for avoiding stress.
There are two ways we can use decisions to avoid stress;
1. Put off making the decision and think about something else
2. Make the decision immediately before it becomes stress
Each one works but putting decisions off likely leads to even more stress than there initially was. Being proactive rather than reactive can create major changes in our lives. We become more efficient, we limit the stress in our lives and we become more capable of making tough decisions as they arise. This leads to more self confidence and attracts the attention of our business and personal connections. Leaders by definition are not common but they are also not just born as saying goes. We can learn leadership skills. It all starts with making strong choices that we can stand by.
Begin with the real simple question we face each day; what do you want to do with your free time today?
If this question is repeatedly unclear, you may lack the focus necessary to set goals and make decisions based on intentional action. We use the term intentional action a lot at BetterSelf because change will come regardless if you want it to or not... so you might as well let it come with positive intentions.
It's the little things we do each day that add up to who we are. We don't gain 50 pounds in a few weeks. Usually it's 5 to 10 pounds a year. We get used to certain foods, certain activities and actions. This state of complacency is comfortable yes, but not very progressive. We need to get used to making decisions with clarity. The more we make decisions in an assertive and passionate manner, the better apt we are to know exactly what we want and when we want it. This is where leaders are born... in the decision making process. In a group setting it is easy to determine who attacks a problem and who waits and hopes for it to be resolved.
Leaders often make decisions based on gut feeling. Usually this is not as irresponsible as it sounds as they have practiced the art of making small choices become big opportunities time and time again. Their "gut feeling" is based on countless experiences of being in command of each situation. Their "calculated risks" really aren't that risky. They know their loss threshold and have the experience to counter problems that may occur. They create action plans that address worse case scenarios. They make decisions quickly and assertively. They know what they want and how to avoid what they don't want. This is a habit formed through making tough decisions over years and years.
So how do we become decisive? By starting with the little things. Take inventory of your likes and dislikes. Discover your loss threshold. Write them down. From dinner choices to vacation spots, list your all time favorite things. The job of your dreams to the girl of your dreams. Take inventory of them all. When the time comes to make a decision, make a mental check and pick one. If making decisions is tough at this point, fake it. Pick something and say with passion, "I know exactly what I want to ...".
We also need to embrace the passion of others. Being decisive doesn't mean that we always make choices for other people and disregard their feelings. Ask for their input first and embrace their passion if it is present. The key is to embrace the art of making choices and the goal is to create a habit of being decisive.
BetterSelf tips for becoming a Decision Dynamo;
• Start with the small decisions
• Take inventory of your likes and dislikes
• Practice saying "I know exactly what I want to ...".
• Discover your loss threshold with big decisions
• Embrace passion in yourself and others
• Take action on your goals everyday
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