Every day we’re faced with a multitude of choices and making the “right” decision can be challenging. I’m sure you can look back to different points in your past, when the decisions you made created a turning point, for better or for worse. Fortunately, not all decisions are weighty. Whether big or small, the ramifications of your choices have an impact on your life.
If you’re someone who struggles with uncertainty, you know how hard it can be to try “to figure things out.” Gathering data, listing pros and cons, or weighing out priorities are all legitimate ways of deciding. However, relying on intellect alone is only half the equation and can leave you unsatisfied. On the flip side, letting intense emotions impulsively run your decisions can leave you with regrets down the road. (The advertising industry is highly proficient at playing on this one!) The HeartMath Institute recommends bringing mind and heart into “coherence.” This is where both mind and emotions are brought into a calmer, more harmonious relationship from which to make choices.
Then there are those choices that you make habitually, without conscious thought or consideration. Suboptimal routines and perpetual patterns can deteriorate your health and wellbeing over time. If you’re trying to change your habits, you can’t expect to get different results by making the same choices. Different decisions are needed to inform your actions. If you find yourself easily persuaded by friends and family, remember that your choices must also be in integrity for you.
So, how do you make better decisions? If you want a better quality of life, making more deliberate choices will help you up-level to your aspirations. Dr. Joe Dispenza says the quality of your state of mind when making a choice impacts the quality of your results. If you’re making a decision from a frazzled mindset, or out of pain points from your past, you may end up with a disappointing outcome. By contrast, when you’re clear and in-flow, you can access your inner knowing more readily to identify what to do and what feels right.
Here are some tips to support better decision-making:
- Establish Self-Awareness. As you stop and take notice, it creates a shift in your consciousness, giving you a more objective view. Some questions to ask yourself: What are your thoughts on the subject? How are you feeling emotionally? How does your body feel as you contemplate each option? Journaling, talking with a coach, or someone you trust can bring clarity.
- Utilize grounding and deep breathing. These techniques will calm your nervous system, bringing you into a more easeful (parasympathetic) state, and settle you into your body. (There are many great meditation apps that can aid you with this.) Flower essences and essential oils are great additions!
- Elevate your mindset and energetic vibration. Engage in activities or self-care that help you feel more joyful and up-lifted. Elevating your energy will get you into a better mindset from which to decide. Do something you enjoy!
- Get clear on what’s important. What kind of reality do you want to create in this situation? “Why” is this important? What option brings you the greatest feeling of peace and contentment? (Steer away from decisions fueled by fear, guilt, etc.)
- Give thanks for the opportunities that come your way. It keeps the flow going!
*Remember, there are many potential possibilities for every dilemma. You get to choose how you want to respond. Destiny is not fixed.
More than anything else, I believe it’s our decisions, not the conditions of our lives that determine our destiny.
– Tony Robbins