How to Make the Right Decision
“It's not hard to make decisions once you know what your values are.”
-Roy E. Disney.
Ever struggle with making decisions?
Whether facing a major life transition or choosing whether to RSVP or decline an event invitation, these three pillars will help you make the right decision for you:
1. Non-Negotiable Values What are the non-negotiable, "deeply ingrained principles" that govern your life? These are the norms and standards that you live by, and are grieved when they are disregarded. Here's the thing, making decisions becomes easier when you filter them through your non-negotiable values. If your non-negotiable values (and those of the people or organization you represent) are honored, you are more likely to make a decision in favor of that choice. If they are dishonored, you are most likely to make a decision against. Want to make decisions your conscious can live with? Make decisions that honor your non-negotiable values. Want help setting your Non-Negotiable Values?
2. Vision
Where are you going?
Why?
What will it look like when you get there?
If you don't have a vision, you will be like Alice when she met the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland.
Alice: Would you please tell me which way I ought to go from here?
Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.
Alice: I don't much care where.
Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.
When you have a clear and compelling vision for your life, work, family, finances, faith, health, you have direction.
Have a clear vision that you are excited about pursuing?
When next presented with choices, scan them through your vision. You will find that if the options lead you in the direction of your vision, you are more likely to make a decision to proceed. If they are pulling you in the opposite direction, you already know what to do.....RUN!
Need help casting your clear and compelling vision?
3. Capacity
Your capacity will influence your decision-making.
By capacity, I mean time, energy, and the mental and emotional ability to engage.
If you don't have the capacity to proceed with a specific course of action, you would be wise to turn it down.
If you do have the capacity to do so, pause before you give your answer. to run your decision by The Eisenhower Matrix. The Eisenhower Matrix gauges whether the decision you are about to make is both Important and Urgent to you, for you to personally take on.
Reflection
I love Stephen Covey's 4 Quadrants below which not only displays decision-making based on Importance and Urgency but also alerts you as a 360 leader on how to steward your life and decision-making for optimal personal and professional results.
Here's your weekend assignment:
Reflect on your decision-making and the activities that fill your days.
Ask yourself where you could make better decisions for your total work-life success.
Make a 3-5 step plan to make decisions that are right for you based on your non-negotiable values, vision, and capacity.
Have a great one!
Do you need help to audit your activities so you can align your priorities?
