There’s nothing wrong with a quick decision, but decisions made in haste – i.e. rushed, and without considering your emotions as well as the logical pros and cons – can be dangerous. This is why the Vikings were reputed to make every important decision twice – once when sober, once when drunk.
So how can you decide when it’s time to decide?
1. Don’t stress about trivial decisions. You’re probably safe to choose your paperclips or menu order whenever. I’m talking about the big decisions, like taking on a new project, changing job, booking the family holiday, or what you’re going to say to that tricky request from a client.
2. Get to know yourself. Pay attention to your levels of energy and alertness during the daily cycle. When do you feel most clear-headed? When are you most aware of your body and emotions? As far as possible, make it a priority to consider important decisions during this time. If it’s not possible, especially if you’re in a high-pressure job where you need to make decisions at all times of the day and night, pay particular attention to the next three steps…
3. Get “out of your mind” and into your body, as this will help you tap your feelings and intuition. I’m not suggesting you go for the full-on “Viking method,” although you may sometimes find that your feelings are clearer after talking to a friend over a beer. More “work friendly” ways to get centered in your body include yoga, meditation, exercise, going for a walk – or even just getting up from your desk, stretching, and walking around the office.
4. For each option, weigh up the pros and cons. Write them down on two different columns if it helps. Ask yourself: (a) What’s the opportunity here? How will I feel if I succeed? How will I feel if I turn it down? and (b) What’s the risk? How will I feel in the worst-case scenario? Could I live with my decision?
5. Ask yourself: How do I feel about this? Take the question literally. Pay attention to the physical sensations in your body. What does “YES!” feel like to you? Light, energized, animated? How about “NO!”? Tense, heavy, uncomfortable? Learn to tell the difference. And watch out for any mismatch between what your head tells you and your gut feeling – when this happens, slow down, take more time, and get more information.
So how can you decide when it’s time to decide?
1. Don’t stress about trivial decisions. You’re probably safe to choose your paperclips or menu order whenever. I’m talking about the big decisions, like taking on a new project, changing job, booking the family holiday, or what you’re going to say to that tricky request from a client.
2. Get to know yourself. Pay attention to your levels of energy and alertness during the daily cycle. When do you feel most clear-headed? When are you most aware of your body and emotions? As far as possible, make it a priority to consider important decisions during this time. If it’s not possible, especially if you’re in a high-pressure job where you need to make decisions at all times of the day and night, pay particular attention to the next three steps…
3. Get “out of your mind” and into your body, as this will help you tap your feelings and intuition. I’m not suggesting you go for the full-on “Viking method,” although you may sometimes find that your feelings are clearer after talking to a friend over a beer. More “work friendly” ways to get centered in your body include yoga, meditation, exercise, going for a walk – or even just getting up from your desk, stretching, and walking around the office.
4. For each option, weigh up the pros and cons. Write them down on two different columns if it helps. Ask yourself: (a) What’s the opportunity here? How will I feel if I succeed? How will I feel if I turn it down? and (b) What’s the risk? How will I feel in the worst-case scenario? Could I live with my decision?
5. Ask yourself: How do I feel about this? Take the question literally. Pay attention to the physical sensations in your body. What does “YES!” feel like to you? Light, energized, animated? How about “NO!”? Tense, heavy, uncomfortable? Learn to tell the difference. And watch out for any mismatch between what your head tells you and your gut feeling – when this happens, slow down, take more time, and get more information.
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