Decisions decisions (part 1)

The subject which seems to be weighing down the minds of Manchester is quite simply that we just can’t make decisions.

Whilst there are some decisions that should be easy, like ‘shall I take advantage of the 50 per cent off MAC offer?’ others have us crippled by indecision. Life in today’s society has become so complex, rich and varied that choices available to us today simply weren’t there 50 years ago.

Take a Starbucks visit. Thanks to recent coffee bar evolution, what used to be “milk and two sugars please” is now open to 4 million possible variations.

Get the feeling…

When making a decision, there is a lot to be said for following your intuition or gut feeling. One obvious advantage is speed. An emotional reaction can be immediate and lead directly to a decision.

You know it’s a good sign if you’re pleased or excited about your choice and it gives you motivation to see it through. The only issue with relying on your intuition is that it tends to leave you at the most important times.

There’s a good reason for this. When a decision is of great importance, you instinctively know you need to consider all the options and not just act ‘on a whim’. The potential risk is higher so you avoid acting with haste.

I just don’t know what to do…

When our intuition goes on hols, we usually try a more systematic, logical approach - thinking and deliberating. Sometimes though, the potential risk involved seems too big to decide.

So how do you make a healthy decision without your intuition onboard?

Just do it

Through coaching, I help people to make good decisions, ones which complement their values and goals, leading them to fulfilment and further success. I don’t give my clients the answers; I help them to reach the right decisions themselves.

For the next two weeks, I thought I’d share some of my failsafe methods to help you get that decision made even when your intuition is taking a break…

1. Mark out your potential options clearly. Think about what choices you have? Are there more than two? Struggling to think of your options? Think about it from the view of a close-friend or colleague… what choices would they say you have?

2.Try before you buy - get experience that will help you make an informed decision. If you're trying, for example, to decide whether to move down South, visit first. Spend some real time there to make sure it’s how you imagine.

3.Don’t just write down the pros and cons and leave it there; prioritise which are very important to you, and which aren’t. Make it relevant and analyse your results.

4. Have a think about this question… ‘Will it matter to you in 10 years’ time?’ If the answer is yes, then this decision needs time, knowledge and experience. If no, then question why it is causing you so much trouble, it may be that it simply needs courage and a sensible choice.

Join me next week for more tips of how to make decisions. See you then

Lucy O’Neill BA (Hons) DipNM PECI
Lifestyle Coac