How to Make Better Decisions

By Andrea Travillian

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Do you take enough time to make decisions and gather all the information you need to make an educated decision? Most of us leap into decisions without the time that they deserve to have allocated to them. These decisions not only impact us today but many of them can affect our future. Why do we do this to ourselves?

1. Time - Many of us make fast decisions because we are afraid to take the time. Life goes at such a fast pace that we are afraid we will miss something. Whether is it a good deal, a fun time or an opportunity. We are also under the belief that we don't have the time to sit down and analyze the situation so why bother waiting!
2. Positive Thinking - We also make fast decisions because many of us (thankfully) are upbeat and don't think that in the future this might not have been a great decision. It is hard to pause and think am I making a mistake.
3. Adrenalin - We also have the tendency to get excited and move forward based on adrenalin. We get so excited about what we are looking at or working on that we just keep going! Stopping never even enters the picture!

So how do we stop and take the time to make the right decision?

1. Set a rule to always sleep on all major decisions. This allows the adrenalin rush to slow down and lets all the details of your options to sink in. Upon waking up you will have a much better idea on what the next logical step is and if the decision is right for you.
2. Ask a friend or family member for their opinion. Sometimes seeing it from another perspective is a great way to get headed in the right direction.
3. Do a quick pros and cons list. This will get you looking at both sides and to see the negative that might be there!
4. Brainstorm other options. Make sure you have thought of all possibilities, and are sure the current one is the way to go! Another solution might actually be right in front of you. See number two for additional help in getting new ideas!
5. Most importantly just be aware of yourself when you are in the moment. Try and tune into your inner voice for signs of likes, dislikes and warning bells going off! Follow through with what your gut says or at least see number one and just sleep on it!

Taking the time to make decisions will help you feel more confident and sure of those decisions that you do make. Plus you might even stop yourself from making a bad one now and then which will save you the time of correcting it down the road!