On Making Decisions
Thinking about: Quitting your job? Leaving a relationship? Eating that extra dessert?
Sometimes decisions, no matter how big or small, can seem impossible to make, creating turmoil and confusion. I’ve been stuck in decision paralysis before, terrified I would jump into a decision too soon, make the wrong decision, and end up regretting my choice or risk doing nothing at all.
Thinking back, I realized most decisions I was faced with could be simplified into a matrix (below) based around creating self-awareness on my desired outcomes and evaluating their presence now and the potential presence in the future.
So, how does it all work?
1. Think about the value you are trying to optimize for (what is your version of “good vibes”?)
2. If you have those good vibes now, and the potential they will continue in the future is high then *high-five* keep doing what you’re doing! Alternatively, if you aren’t getting those vibes now and you doubt you will in the future, then something has got to change.
3. Where it gets trickier, are in the other quadrants…
Let’s say you have those good vibes now, but the potential to have them long-term is low. Do you want to live in the present, soaking up those good vibes even at risk of your future happiness? Or are you ready to make a change? How much do you value your version of those “good vibes”? The decision becomes a reflection on your values and preference of the present or future satisfaction.
On the flip-side let’s say you are currently struggling but you know there is a brighter future ahead. Are you willing to put in the work, and make necessary changes to get the future you want? How can you get there?
This framework will help distill the complexity of your situation into a more tangible choice. Each quadrant provides questions you can ask yourself to better understand your needs or desires, and validates your decision based on your core values.
Facing a tough decision, try out the Decision Making Matrix framework and let me know how it works for you.
Tell me what you think in the comments below 🙂