I had an interesting conversation with a friend recently. He couldn’t decide between making a scary BIG investment on some equipment or go with the safer, smarter, more affordable option.

You see, he could argue both sides of the story. And so could everyone he asked about it.

You’ve probably been there yourself. I definitely have. I’m a Pisces and although I don’t know much about astrology (or even have much of an opinion, I try to be pretty open minded though), I do know that the old fish sign struggles with decisions and I can definitely attest to that (do not go to a restaurant with me for the first time unless you have the patience of a saint!).

The close decisions are the hardest

The thing with decisions is, it’s not the extreme ones that are the issue. You know, those ones that you have a gut feeling or intuitive answer on straight away. The ones where you don’t even really need to decide, because the decision has long since been made.

The ones that really get you in a tailspin is when both options appear completely viable and there are equal pros and cons for each.

Having this conversation with my friend, though, I realised that, without a doubt, the decision making process is an emotional one.

Sure, you can trick yourself into thinking that your’e being logical by making a pro/con list for each option, but is it really?

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Decision Making Questions

In trying to help my friend (and myself) I asked him a bunch of questions and thought they might help you the next time you find yourself at a decision-making crossroads.

1. If money, other people, etc were not a factor, what would your decision be?

2. If money, other people, etc IS a deciding factor, why is it so important?

3. What are you resisting/holding back from?

4. What are you afraid of?

5. If you knew the answer, what would it be?

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What’s in your way?

The thing is, most of the time (and I see this a lot when asking my clients these questions), you actually know the answer deep down. You know what your heart/soul/other internal, wise voice wants.

But there’s something in your way.

Resistance. Fear. Issues of self worth.

Do I deserve this?

Am I worthy?

What does this decision actually mean?

What if?

But, as I’ve said before, you have no control over the outcome. ‘What if’ becomes completely irrelevant. All you can do is make the decision and then continue making decisions as the outcome unfolds.

I believe that everything seems like a good decision at the time and there is always a way to fix something that doesn’t work out (or it can end up leading you in a completely different and awesome direction).

But a decision must be made. THAT is the key.

Take action.

Do something.

Don’t let fear get in your way and hold you back from being your awesome self.

Just make a choice and, if you don’t like it, change it.

At the end of the day, the only thing permanent is death and that may seem morbid or insensitive, but some people actually find it reassuring. Because it’s true. Even tattoos can be removed. And remember what Steve Jobs once said:

“Remembering that you’re going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

– Steve Jobs

 

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What decision have you been struggling with lately?

Leave me a comment below and tell me if the questions helped you or if you could get a fresh perspective from this post (and please, for the love of all things sweet and chocolatey, if you have a friend struggling with a decision, forward this post on and put them out of their misery!)