How to Make Decision Making Easier
We hear a lot about decision fatigue right now. That is how many decisions we make each day and how we are overwhelmed by these. Make decision making easier with these key concepts. There are many ways to make this simpler and more effective.
Opinions matter
Making a decision comes from a variety of perspectives and opinions. Getting opinions from a few others helps you make a decision easier with their help and thoughts. Encourage feedback especially if it is not in line with your original thoughts. Make sure you don’t overload your options and keep to 3 opinions to expedite your decision.
Small chunks and small steps
Big overwhelming decisions can be broken down into small chunks and small steps. Break down the process into manageable steps that you can tackle over time. As you move forward with each decision, the next decision becomes clearer and clearer. It’s not always necessary to have a decision completely finalized.
Prioritize
Prioritize the energy and time for a decision. A breakfast decision is not the same priority level as business decision. Place time and energy where you get the most return for the most importance of the decision.
Limit choices
Too many options? Begin by limiting these choices. The essence of a decision is choices. We avoid decisions when there are many choices. Limiting choices can include having a rule about how many choices to have as options.
Trust your intuition
How are you feeling? What is your gut telling you? What is intuitive? These are the essence of trusting your intuition. That intuition can be your whole reasoning. Intuition affirms the decisions are make.
Go with truth and kindness
“Sometimes decisions are hard, not because one choice isn’t clearly better, but because the hard choice is also the right one, says Scott Young. The truth is always the best decision. When decisions are complicated, often it is because we are avoiding a core value. Remember we don’t have to like the best decision for it to be the right decision.
I am a believer in limiting your options. It would be easier to pick a paint color give three choices that 4,000. I often find it helps with clients as well. I’ll say, “Which do you like better, A or B?” That is a question they can easily answer. Or, “Next we could focus on X or Y, which is more important to you?” Limiting choices helps calm the overwhelm, right?
One of the things I’m hyperaware of when working with clients is the decision fatigue factor. It’s less of an issue with virtual organizing because the sessions are shorter than in-person organizing. However, it can still surface. It’s something we talk about, so they are aware when working on their own.
When I have a tough decision to make with many possible options, I like to talk it out. My husband is a great listener. He’s good at listening and assimilating the choices with me. I have a few friends that are also excellent with teasing a solution out with me. Writing or journaling also helps me when I’m stuck or in the mulling it over stage.
@Linda – I love that you are a verbal processor and use this modality as a strength! Talking out a tough decision moves you forward and helps you come to your best decision.
@Seana – you are so on target! Narrowing down and prioritizing help us limit options to begin with and focus. It helps us feel good about our final decision and limits overwhelm as you mentioned.