by Kim AdesFebruary 24, 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Are you facing a tough decision? Are you worried that you may second guess your choice? Here’s the good news: I have developed a no-fail method for evaluating if your next big decision is the right one!

How this works couldn’t be easier. If the decision doesn’t meet these four criteria, it’s a decision that will take you away from your ultimate goals. Who knew making up your mind could be so painless?

Here are the four things to ask yourself when making a decision:

1) Is it Healthy?

Will this be a healthy decision in the long run, on all fronts? I’m talking emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. Are you thinking of staying up until 3AM to catch up with friends? That’s fine. But choosing to do that every night wouldn’t be a healthy move. When making a decision in terms of health, ask yourself, will this feel good afterwards? Tomorrow? In a week from now? In a year from now?

2) Is it Engaging?

Does it draw you in, is it interesting and does it light your fire? If it’s not something that you are really engaged in, but rather feel obligated to do, it’s probably not the best option. If you’re considering a change that doesn’t spark your interest, it’s not going to be sustainable. Even if the decision leads to a short-term change, if it’s draining, it’s not worth committing to.

3) Is it Aligned With Your Values?

Does it resonate with your values and beliefs? Ask yourself what is truly important to you, and determine whether or not this decision is aligned with that. If it compromises your values and is something you may regret, it’s also something you may want to reconsider.

4) Will it Lead You to Your Goals?

Will this move you toward your goals and desires, or will it lead you away from them? You may not realize it, but you have a subconscious list of desires and goals you want to achieve. Making the right decision can actually help you attain them. For example, if your goal is to lose weight but you decide to eat a whole lot of cake right now, you may be sacrificing a short-term desire for a long-term goal.

Making the right decision will bring you a sense of peace. A decision that causes you to feel at odds with yourself or torn up indicates that it may not be the best decision for you. If there are any lingering feelings of cognitive dissonance, perhaps the decision needs to be tweaked. When a decision feels easy, it means it’s the right one.

If you’re unable to check off all four criteria – healthy, engaging, aligned with your values and goals – something needs to change before this will be the correct choice for you.

I help my coaching clients make decisions that are best for them. If this is an area that you struggle with, I invite you to start by assessing your Frame of Mind.