Live Well Strategy #9 - The Decision Making Process

As a life, health, and business coach it seems that the topic of making "tough" decisions regularly comes up - and in each area :-)  Making decisions can be difficult because it usually involves giving up something. That's what makes it hard — there can be a sense of loss to deal with, uncertainly of the future and confusion whether you are doing the right thing – especially if there are other people involved.

The following are 7 strategies that I use when faced with tough decisions – business, life, purpose, relationships – all the big stuff. Each strategy can help you get in touch with what is right for you – to hear and listen to your inner voice and intuition.

1. Journal. Write down your feelings without censoring anything.  This can give you incredible clarity– especially if you commit to writing every night or morning for 1-4 weeks.  The key is to write without censoring any of your true feelings…so if you’re concerned about privacy, journal on a password protected word document. Write in “stream of consciousness mode”.  Write anything comes up – anything at all – fears, feelings, pros, cons, etc.
   
   
2. Ask for input from friends and family that really know you, have your best interests at heart and want to see you happy.  Asking for advice is a great way to look at all angles and viewpoints – especially if your friends/family have the above characteristics.  Talking to those close to you allows you to really explore your concerns - even just hearing yourself talk can give more clarity.  Your friends and family can also play the "devil's advocate" and/or point out patterns they've noticed over the years.    
   
   Therapists or counselors are great additions/alternatives as well. Of course, remember that any advice you hear is useful “input” and but that it’s most important to listen to your inner voice and do what is right for you – no one knows the whole situation or what is exactly right for you, except for you.
   
   
3. “10 minutes, 10 weeks, 10 years” - Suzy Welch’s decision making formula from her book “10-10-10”.  How will you feel about your decision (try your decisions on for size) in 10 minutes, 10 weeks and in 10 years?  I love this formula.
   
   
4. Listen to your body. Our body always knows. How do you feel about the decision (again, try it on for size).  Relief?  Tightness in the body?  Nausea? Lightness?  What is your gut feeling?  
   
   
5. Notice Your Dreams. Dreams are very powerful because they contain important clues about our real feelings - subconscious thoughts that may not yet have come to the surface during our waking moments.  To help you remember your dreams, keep a notebook and pen by your bed and write down your dream/s as soon you wake up.
   
   
6. Give yourself space to decide.  While I’m a big believer in “Going Towards the Roar” (facing whatever you are scared of),  sometimes space around a decision (instead of a "knee-jerk" reaction) allows you time to really know (feel) what the best decision is for you.
   
   
7. Spend silent time in nature or sit and breathe/meditate. This is probably the truest way to really know what is the right decision for you (along with how your body feels). When you are alone and still – your real feelings can come to the surface because they aren’t drowned out by distractions or noise.  Allow yourself to know what is right for you, what honors yourself, your life, your truth and others.

Know that you do have the answers inside.  It’s sounds so cliché, but you always do. You and your body know… and if you allow yourself time to FEEL your way to your decision, you will make the right one.   

Be Happy... Be Vibrant...

Live Well,

Carmen