Decisions, decisions...

If big decisions are difficult to make, would we assume that the little ones are easy?

How do you act when you make a right decision? How do you react when you make a wrong one?

Have you ever been paralyzed "in the face" of a decision?

There have been times in my life when I have been consumed for weeks, sometimes months, over a decision I am trying to make, only to realize that it was my inability to make the decision that kept me trapped, not the actual decision itself. Once the decision was made I felt so relieved, only wishing I would have made it earlier!

The trouble is that we can’t always know when our decisions are going to turn out to be the right ones. There are going to be times we feel disappointed in our decisions, and equally there will be times we’ll be rewarded by the good ones. But just remember that the odds are …well, no longer an odd, but a guarantee to be working against you, when you stay trapped in indecision. Is this an area in your life that you want to gamble?

If not, here is a list that can help take the “in” out of indecision!

Trust yourself. Trust your judgment and your ability to make good decisions. We are all well equipped and have everything that we need.

Get honest with yourself. Ask yourself if you already know the answer, more times than not I think we do. We are just lacking the courage for the “go ahead”.

Is it realistic? Does the decision you are trying to make fit your current circumstances? Are you trying to force a square-peg into a round hole? Check back in with getting honest.

Sit on it. Sometimes it is just too tempting and we want to jump in head first! Whatever the reason-excitement, guilt, caught in the moment, too good to pass, control over-this is precisely the time to listen to the Fonz, and “sit on it”!

Ask yourself, “How will this affect my life in a week, a month, or a year?” This may offer some clarity on the importance of the decision at hand.

And then…

Make a best case and a worse case scenario list. Now ditch the best case list when you’re making your decision, because after all, we all know that things rarely work out that way! What you will be doing by taking this approach is preparing yourself for all the challenges (or hits) that are likely to come your way, making it be less likely to discourage you or throw you off track.

Now is the best time to start practicing these steps. Life guarantees that there will be a time that a decision will have to be made, and it won't afford the luxury of time. Trusting yourself and having courage may be all you’re left with!