Always view your problem from different perspectives instead of sticking with your initial solution. You can seek advice from people who think differently from you to get more insight. Do not make a decision just because it is the most comfortable. Change is difficult, but sometimes trying something different or unusual is the best solution. If you already have your mind made up, do not just seek information that supports what you want to do. Try to be objective and consider all sides of the issue. Focus on the decision that is in front of you and your present situation. Remind yourself that the past is the past and do not base your decisions on previous mistakes or successes.
For example, if you have made the decision to go on a vacation, you need to make specific steps to make the vacation happen. Your steps may include budgeting and saving money for your trip, talking to anyone who would be going on the vacation with you, determining a date for the vacation, figuring out transportation and hotel details, and a timeline for when each of these items needs to be completed.
Trying to make the decision is one of the hardest parts. You can get so caught up in making the right choice that you never take any action. If you do not follow through on a decision, you may miss out on some of the rewards and benefits. [4] X Research source If you were debating about applying for a new job and never took action to actually fill out the application, someone else would get the job. You missed the opportunity to even be considered.
Questions you make ask yourself include: Were you happy with the outcome? What could you have done better? Is there anything you would have done differently? What did I learn from this?
You probably considered multiple options when you made your decision. You can go back and try some of the other things that you considered. You can also start the process over again.
You should also ask yourself why you feel the need to make this decision. What is your motivation? This will help you understand the actions that you are about to take. Perhaps you have decided to purchase a new car. Are you purchasing the car because you need a new car? Do you want a new car because one of your friends got a new car? Understanding your motivation can help you avoid making bad decisions. [8] X Research source
If you received some bad news right before you go to work or school, those negative emotions will influence some of the decisions that you make. If you are aware of this, you can take a second to calm yourself down and remind yourself that you need to focus on the task at hand.
You should prioritize the information that is most important and relevant to making your decision. You may want to make a mental or actual list of only the information you need. If you have been thinking about your decision for a long time, take a break to clear your mind. You could go for a walk or read a book for 15 minutes. [12] X Research source
Practice mindfulness as part of your decision making. [14] X Research source You should set aside any distractions and take time time to meditate on the decision at hand. Take a deep breath and think about your decision, different solutions, and the pros and cons of each option. Just 15 minutes of meditation has been shown to improve decision making. [15] X Research source Your meditation should be focused on the present moment. If your mind begins to wander, redirect your thoughts back to the decision you need to make. Keeping your emotions in check and arming yourself with the necessary information you need will allow your unconscious thinking to make better decisions. [16] X Expert Source Julia Lyubchenko, MS, MALicensed Therapist Expert Interview. 29 April 2020.
If you are making a decision about whether or not to stay in a relationship, pretend that your friend is in the relationship and not you. You would then consider the relationship from the perspective of both people involved in the relationship. You then may think about ways your friend could solve some of the problems in the relationship and what the different outcomes could be. Using an outside perspective will also help you keep your emotions in check.
If you are planning to buy a new car, some of the pros would be having a good warranty, the latest technology, or better gas mileage. Some of the cons may be a higher car payment and increased car insurance. You would consider these factors along with your financial situation and your current transportation situation. You should think about the best things and worst things that can happen as a result of your decision. You should also consider what will happen if you do not make a decision at all (which is actually a decision in itself).
