Confidently Make Quicker And Better Decisions

 

Each day we are faced with so many choices.  What to have for breakfast, what to wear, whether to exercise or not, and on and on.  Some decisions are super easy and have a minimum impact on the big scheme of your life.  But some decisions are tough.  If you’re trying to make a decision now, here are some tips on how you can confidently make quicker and better decisions. 

 

I sat at the kitchen table chewing on my bottom lip….again.  My heart was racing and my mind was filled with so many thoughts of ‘what-ifs’.

I felt stuck, paralyzed, and unsure of what to do next.

The day before, I was given an opportunity to decide the direction of my career.  I was thrilled to be given the chance to choose which direction I wanted to go as so many people I know do not get to decide.

But with the freedom to chose also came the fear of making the wrong decision.  Years from now, which option would I be grateful to be doing?  Which one would put me in a better position to grow and excel?

Perhaps you are reading this now because you too are faced with a difficult decision and are unsure of where to go.  Maybe you are trying to decide…..

Whether to stay at home or go back to work?

Send the kids to school or homeschool?

Ask for the promotion or stay with the status quo?

As someone who has been where you are, here are some tips for how to confidently make quicker and better decisions.

 

Pray and seek God’s Words

The first step to making quicker and better decisions is to surrender and surround it in pray.  God knows us more intimately than we know ourselves.  He already has plans for you and your life so go to Him for guidance when you are faced with making a decision.  Include Him in your process.  Ask His counsel.  Look through His Word for instances where others might have faced similar situations as you.  How did they act?

The book of Proverbs is filled with life-giving and life-changing advice.  Seek it out and write down verses that directly address your need.

 

Create a list of pros and cons.

I know this might seems obvious but seeing pros and cons on paper helped me so much to weigh both options and look at them objectively.

Honestly ask yourself: “Where do I really want to be 3 years from now?”  Which option would get you to that place faster? Don’t think about what other people might want for you or other’s expectations.  It’s important to start by looking at what you want and go from there.

 

 

Seek Out Wisdom And Knowledge

Seek out, wise counsel. Really. If you are surrounded by family or friends who have done what you are about to do, ask questions, and inform yourself. Do needed research. Don’t let pride or proving that you have it “all under control” blind you to great resources all around you.

Act

Sometimes we are so paralyzed by making the wrong decision that we do nothing. We stay stuck and filled with doubt.  The best way to get clarity though is to take action.  Action brings clarity.  Don’t overthink – just start. Make a plan. An imperfect, real plan. Start doing the work that is deciding and solving. Take note of the effects and response to your action. This way you can adjust if needed.

 

Adjust Early

Be humble – make the adjustment early if needed. Don’t run the train off the track because you are unwilling to admit that you made a mistake. If your choice was wrong, own up to it in a professional way and make things right to the best of your ability. It’s better to win the fight after a change of tactics than to get knocked out by your own ego and pride.

 

Surrender

It is important when making decisions to know what you truly have power over. Once you have surrendered your plans to God, trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding you. Realize that even if you make a wrong decision, God is powerful enough and good enough to stir you in a new direction that is in line with His Will – as long as you ask Him to do so.  God will not force His Divine Will upon us but He promises to guide us when we seek Him out.

 

Control What You Can Control

If it’s not your decision to make, stay out of the control room. Also – use this adage to relieve stress. Only focus on what you have the ability to decide on. This means staying focused and being able to take action without becoming overwhelmed by the details.

 

Decision-making does not have to be a tedious and stressful process. With prayer, the right attitude, planning, and strategy you can become a faster, more efficient, and confident decision-maker.

Just remind yourself that God knows all His plans for you, so with His guidance, you will reach the right decision.  You can trust yourself when you are being guided by Him.

Which one do you need the most help with or will try first?