How many times do you labor over a small decision because you’re worried about the outcome? It’s easy to let yourself get sucked into the cyclone of what if, but, what about and general indecisiveness.
It
used to happen to me all the time and it still plagues me. Especially with big decisions. Well that’s a lie, it happens with small decisions too. Like what to have for dinner. Where to hang out Friday after work. What to do for vacation. All of these decisions can take up a ton of time and really suck up a lot of energy.
Weighing pros and cons.
Doing the research.
Asking for advice.
Letting it sink in.
Giving yourself time to think about it.
All of these are somewhat helpful ways to make a decision but when it comes down to it – it’s best to listen to your gut instinct. Yes, when you’re faced with a big decision it’s a good idea to give yourself the time and resources you need to make the best decision possible. BUT I bet if you let yourself really think about it, you know pretty much right away what is best for you. Moving to a new place, quitting your job, taking a different job, going back to school – they’re all HUGE decisions that really impact your life but…
Most of the time you know exactly what you want.
You know that you want pasta for dinner, want to go to a movie Friday night and Seattle for vacation. You know that taking the new job – which might be a little scary, because change is always scary – is the right step for you and your career.
But rather than going with your first thought, your first response, the thing you really want, you go back and forth because of fear. Fear you may miss out, make the wrong decision, lose money, lose time, make a mistake or end up regretting your decision. So here are two ways of thinking about it and learning to trust yourself:
1. Your Gut is Going to Be Right 95% of the time
2. If not, it’s okay!
Let me explain :: Your gut instinct is made up of millions of neurons, memories, feelings, knowledge, experiences, beliefs, values and emotions that are tucked away inside of your mind and soul. So that immediate response or decision isn’t just plucked out of thin air. It comes from deep inside of you where you are most connected with your authentic self.
Now #2 :: Life does not always go according to plan and that’s okay! That’s life, it’s full of twists, turns, round abouts and every other type of directional change and that’s why it’s so exciting!! Remember we are not in a movie, life does not follow the plot. It makes its own which is why your decisions may not always pan out the way you expect.
And that’s okay. Remember, at the time you made the best decision based on that present moment. So you’re not a bad person, you didn’t make a mistake, you’re not a failure, rather life happened.
So you make the best decision you can in the present moment and then you let go. You let go and enjoy the ride!
Every time you trust yourself, every time you rely on your gut, you become stronger and more in-tune to your beliefs, goals and values.
That will make every decision a little easier. And you’ll find you have more time and energy because you’re not dwelling anymore. You’re listening to your gut, making decisions and moving on with life.
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