5 Things To Do When Making Important Decisions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nGenerate More and Better Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Being able to think outside the box is a big part of being an effective decision-maker, and \u2013 in many cases \u2013 the options that are not always immediately obvious often end up being some of the best options available. While it may seem as if you are forced to decide between Option A and Option B, it\u2019s essential to take a step back and see if an Option C exists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sit down with a notepad and brainstorm ideas, writing down each one so that you can analyze for it\u2019s potential in the next step of the decision-making process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, not all of the ideas that you come up with are going to be winning solutions, but it doesn\u2019t matter; merely brainstorming every idea that you can come up with is the goal of this step and will allow you to understand all of the options that you have available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the end, having all of the available options in front of you so that each one can be analyzed for its potential is by far the best way to make sure you are not overlooking an ideal solution to your problem. Before you decide, be sure that you are considering all the options by taking the time to generate as many alternatives as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explore Your Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most problems will have a few obvious potential solutions that are relatively easy to spot. While these solutions may not always end up being the best ones available, they are undoubtedly worth exploring before you move on to generating out of the box solutions that are not so immediately obvious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After you\u2019ve thoroughly analyzed the problem that you face and have a firm understanding of its various challenges, there should be at least a solution or two that you recognize right away. Take the time to analyze these potential solutions, but don\u2019t commit to any of them right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once again, the apparent answers to a problem are not always the best, and while they are worth considering, you\u2019ll want to generate a much broader list of potential solutions before you commit to a decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Select the Best Possible Solution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Having explored all of the options that are available to you, it\u2019s time to select the best option from the list and commit to your decision. The decision-making process that we\u2019ve outlined thus far is designed to choose the best solution from your list of options as straightforward as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, though, selecting the best option may still end up being as much of a gut instinct decision as it is a decision that is based on careful analysis. There is nothing wrong with following your instinct, especially if you can back that instinct up with logic and reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In many, if not most cases, your instincts can be a very reliable gauge when it comes to deciding which option is best. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, do not be afraid if there isn\u2019t a clear and obvious winner among the list of possibilities that you generate. So long as there is a solution that has passed scrutiny and you feel good about on a gut level, you can proceed forward with confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evaluate Your Decision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Second-guessing a decision once it has already been made is something that can create worry and hesitancy, and it is something that you should do one time and one time only once you have settled on a decision. Take one last opportunity to evaluate your choice and make sure it\u2019s the right one, then commit to that decision and don\u2019t look back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, evaluating your decision one more time may lead you to discover flaws with it that you didn\u2019t notice before, and such is the point of this final evaluation. If you do find a major issue with the decision you\u2019ve settled on, don\u2019t be afraid to return to the drawing board. With that said, though, no solution is perfect, and there will always be at least a few reasons for doubt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t let these doubts keep you from moving forward with a decision. So long as you do not discover any fatal flaws with the decision you\u2019ve chosen and so long as that decision does prove to be the best one possible based on your careful analysis, you should trust in the decision you\u2019ve made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that you have firmly settled on your decision, all that there is left to do is take action. In the vast majority of cases, the best decision-makers commit to a decision and are not hesitant to take action once a decision has been made. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This doesn\u2019t mean making a decision in haste and choosing the first solution that comes to mind. Still, it does mean having the courage to quickly commit to a decision and proceed forward boldly with it once the best solution has presented itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once again, when making difficult decisions, it is not often that you come up with a solution so perfect that there is no reason to doubt it. Even the best decision-makers in the world must still contend with lingering doubt once a decision is made. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have taken the time to make a decision based on careful analysis, a proven process, and gut instinct, though, then you have every reason to proceed forward with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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