How to make a decision and not look back!

Photo by Shiny Things

Like many people, I sometimes struggle with indecision even when I have all the tools available to make the decisions.

For example, my e-mail inbox fills up despite my efforts to tame it. I have multiple organizational systems and I have read countless articles on how to tame the inbox and periodically I succeed, only to find that a few days later I have 700 back despite a healthy delete strategy.

Whether you own a small business like me or work for someone else or are currently looking for that new career, being able to make decisions is critical. When you waffle in your decisions, afraid to solidly go one way or the other, you make very little progress.

Just Decide

Sometimes the best thing to do is make the decision, just decide. You’re afraid that if you make the wrong decision, you will regret it, but most of the time, the issue is not that critical. If you are not sure, at least find a way to organize your files to store for later.

What is the worst case scenario?

Here’s a good question to ask yourself: What is the worst case scenario? When I have faced issues that I just can’t make a decision about in the past, I have been blessed to have a few wise people around me who asked that question. “What is the worst thing that can happen?” When you make yourself walk through the steps for whatever decision you are facing, it gets easier.

Example: You really want a particular job. You applied online for the position and you are wondering if you should call to see if there is progress.

What’s the worst case? You call and the job is filled.

Then what? You can use that as an opportunity to voice your interest in future positions that you may also be qualified to fill. You have just done something that many people don’t do. You followed up. You put yourself on their radar.

Then what? Now if you want to stay on their radar, you send a hand-written thank you note, letting them know that though you did not get the position, you would enjoyed the opportunity to share your qualifications with them and if there are positions in the future that fit, you would like to be considered.

Then what? You start building your network by connecting with people who can help you learn about companies that have positions you would like to have and becoming visible.

Most of the time, we get stuck because we fail to act. If you follow the worst case scenario plan, you will find that you can make solid decisions quickly and get on with the next thing on your list.