Overall I would say I’m a pretty laid-back person. I’m pretty chill.
However, every once in a while I stress out over decisions. I overthink and go back and forth. This happens the most when I see that I should do something, but at the same time, I feel like I shouldn’t. Logic vs. gut instinct.
This is how I make most of my difficult decisions, based off of the video below combined with my own approach.
Step One:
Is there an obviously better choice? Yes? Are you happy with it? Yes? Done here. Nice job!
Step Two:
No obvious choice? Okay. Time to weigh the pros and cons. Think about it for a few days. If it’s extra difficult, write them out. Determine the importance of each pro and con.
Step Three:
Make a logical decision based off the pros and cons. Settle into that decision.
Step Four:
How does my gut feel about this decision? Does this choice feel right? So far my gut has never been wrong, though sometimes it’s difficult to discern whether it’s some kind of unease or fear that’s getting in the way. If my gut strongly disagrees with the logical decision, then I listen to it.
I know it may seem like I’m leaving a lot up to my stomach, but I’m not the only one. I’ve seen a couple of peers make posts about trusting their gut, and they never regret it. In fact, people are far more likely to regret not trusting their gut. I know I have a few times.
Step Five:
Who do I want to be? Who will this decision turn me into? This is the best point made in the TED Talk. Sometimes it’s not really about what is objectively “better” to the world’s eyes. One job might pay more, but the other might make you happier, or bring you closer to the life you truly want.
This final step is what makes me the most comfortable choosing a path. I have a pretty good idea of who I am and what I want to become. Eliminating choices that don’t fit with either of those becomes a lot easier when I put it in that perspective.