Life is full of tough choices
It can be challenging to know what to do when faced with them. But through my own experiences, I've learned that there are some valuable lessons we can take from even the hardest choices we make.
Our Values and Priorities
One of the most important things we can do when making decisions is to define our values and priorities.
It's easy to get stuck in indecision or make choices that aren't aligned with our true desires when we're not clear about what matters most to us. By taking the time to explore our values and priorities, we can gain clarity and confidence in our decision-making process.
Start by asking yourself what is truly important to you in different areas of your life, such as career, relationships, health, and personal growth. Reflect on how these values align with each other and prioritise them accordingly.
Once you have a clear understanding of your values and priorities, use them as a guide when making decisions. This will help you feel more confident in the choices you make because they align with what truly matters to you. You'll also feel more empowered because you're taking ownership of your decisions based on your own beliefs rather than relying on external factors.
Another helpful tool is mindfulness
Practising mindfulness can help us stay grounded and present, allowing us to make decisions from a place of clarity and calm. It doesn't have to be formal meditation; one thing that's worked well for me is taking a morning walk.
Even though I was not longer teaching, I continued to get up and do my 7:30am walk and one of several things started to happen:
- My mind would focus on a particular problem and would come up with solution(s) that I’d be excited to try, or
- I didn’t seem to think about anything at all on my walk but I feel very calm and relaxed, or
- My mind became extra busy and I constantly had to stop to write down my ideas.
It's become such an ingrained part of my routine that I can walk anytime of the day now and one of these three things will happen.
Seek Advice
It's also okay to seek advice from others when making decisions. We don't have to go through everything alone, and sometimes an outside perspective can help us see things more clearly.
Remember that asking for help does not mean you are weak or incapable, but rather demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow from others' experiences.
Also it can be quite challenging when two or more of our values seem equally important and pull us in different directions. Seeking advice from those who share our values can help clarify our priorities and guide us towards a decision that aligns with our beliefs.
Overall, seeking advice and support when making decisions can lead to better outcomes by providing new insights, easing feelings of uncertainty or lack of control, and helping clarify conflicting priorities. Don't hesitate to reach out for guidance when facing tough choices – sometimes all it takes is an outside perspective to see things clearly.
Embrace Uncertainty
It can be scary not knowing what the future holds, but it's also what makes life exciting and full of possibilities. Sometimes taking a leap into the unknown is the best decision we can make.
One of the main reasons why people struggle to make decisions is because they get caught up in analysis paralysis. This term refers to the state of overthinking a situation, which leads to indecision and procrastination. It's natural to want to analyse every possible outcome, I’m very guilty of this. But sometimes this can lead to a fear of making the wrong decision or missing out on something better.
Our emotions cloud our judgement. We may be afraid of taking risks or making mistakes due to past experiences or societal pressure. However, it's important to remember that uncertainty is a part of life and embracing it can often lead us down a path we never expected.
By accepting uncertainty, we are able to take more calculated risks and create new opportunities for ourselves. Instead of viewing it as a negative thing, we should try re-framing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and learning. Sometimes the best decisions are made by taking a leap into the unknown rather than sticking with what feels safe and familiar.
I hope these thoughts help you in some way. Remember, making decisions can be tough, but by defining our values and priorities, practising mindfulness, seeking advice, and embracing uncertainty, we can create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful.
Here are 3 questions prompts for you to consider this week.
1. Think about a difficult decision you made in the past that ultimately aligned with your values. What was the decision, and why was it challenging? How did you navigate the struggle, and what did you learn from the experience?
2. Consider a time when you felt stuck or uncertain about a decision you needed to make. How did you approach the situation? Did you seek advice or support from others, or did you rely solely on your own intuition? Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
3. Reflect on your values and priorities. Are there any areas of your life where these values may be in conflict with each other? How do you navigate these situations, and what strategies do you use to ensure that your decisions align with your beliefs?
My name is Henrietta and I don't make empty promises or use gimmicks. My sole focus is helping you overcome obstacles and implement lasting improvements.
If you are ready to discuss next steps then book your 30min complimentary session. And if you'd like to show your support, consider treating me to a comforting hot chocolate.