So, I was going to write about being too busy, overwhelm and then I was going to write about ideas and thoughts...now I’m thinking about writing about choices and making decisions. Which one do you think I should write about?
Aaaaahhhh, there it is….Indecision!
There’s been a lot indecision in my life. Doubts, questioning, asking others what I should do. So today I’m going to help you think about the choices you are making in your life and whether they are yours or someone else’s.
I sometimes wonder why it is, as we get older, that our lives have a tendency to get smaller. Our decisions get safer. Our ideas get fewer. Yet our minds get busier and our lives get more complicated, sometimes we find ourselves going round in circles, not really heading anywhere. So where are our decisions taking us? How are we choosing our paths? What lives are we creating for ourselves?
Ever wanted to say no, but said yes?. Ever wanted to say yes but said no? Ever wanted to do something but been too afraid of what others might think, how they might judge you, or waited for permission? Yep, yep and yep. But not any more.
When I was a teenager, I think that choices were a lot easier for me. I didn’t have so many worries about how my decisions would affect others, or me. I had plenty of time and even more ideas and when they popped into my head I just followed them through! Then, at some point, I started analysing things more. Worrying about the outcome, over-thinking, over-analysing, even freezing and not doing anything! If I made a decision, I’d worry if it was the right one. If I didn’t have to, I’d just bury my head and hope it would all go away or wait for someone else to make it for me.
At some point we all need to stand up and make our own decisions. For what we want. For what we can bring to the world. For our talents, our future, our life.
Now, I must say, I’m a lot happier about making decisions. Sure, sometimes I don’t enjoy it, the decisions are difficult. But at least I know now I’m in the driver’s seat and I’m aware of how I make choices, not based on fear and doubt, but based on what I really want in my life.
How to make choices from the heart that take you forward in the direction of your dreams
1. Know what you want
If you know what you are working towards, making decisions becomes a lot easier, you can eliminate ones that are not going to take you in the direction you want and be less likely to just go along with others. This frees up your time too, you create less tasks and have fewer demands to please.
2. Create some space
If you have to make an immediate decision, try and give it some space… even if it’s just 10 minutes… make sure you get yourself in a good frame of mind. You can’t make a good decision when you’re in a bad head-space. Do something simple to improve your mood. Go for a walk, get the blood pumping.
3. Make time for you on a regular basis
When you allow yourself space to listen to yourself, you begin to know yourself more. That makes decision making so much easier when it comes to the crunch. We spend so much time doing things for others, sometimes when we are given the opportunity to make a decision for our own future, we have forgotten how to!
4. don’t get stuck in analysis – paralysis
Pondering and analysing a choice can get you stuck in a creative cul-de sac. Making a decision feels good. There’s a difference between a maybe and a definite…
5. Talk to someone
Don’t let ideas turn into worries by letting them fester in your head. Get them out into the open and talk about them!
Next time you’re faced with a decision, try a new approach. Tune in with YOU and make sure you make a choice that is in line with your future – not just everyone else’s.
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