Picture this, you are running late to a friend's birthday dinner that you have been waiting for all week. You have to drive across town to reach your destination, but still need to swing past a store and pick out a gift for your friend. As you get into the store you realize you don't have any idea what gift to buy, feeling lost and unsure where to begin your search. Now imagine that same situation although you have put some thought into the gift, maybe asked a mutual friend for some suggestions and now know the place to look to find the perfect gift for your friend. Both situations involve decision-making, but one is characterized by haste and anxiety, while the other exudes a sense of calm and confidence. This stark contrast illustrates the impact of awareness in the decision-making process and this article will share some quick tips to support you in selecting the more effective approach.
Be Present and Mindful
This tip in the decision making process involves ensuring that you firstly are aware of the decision needing to be made and the parameters around it. Think about who the decision is for, is it for you, a friend, family member or a coachee? This will ensure you are aware of whom to put first when coming to the decision making process. This current mindset should also encompass an awareness of the individuals impacted by the decision and the potential effects it will have on them.
Picture being in a meeting where you are deciding on a certain route to take for your next trip, being present and mindful in this is ensuring you are not just thinking about what your idea and plans are, or looking at your phone or other tasks, but being able to hear out other people in the meeting and understand their opinions, while actively listening and asking questions to better understand.
Watch Out for Biases and Shortcuts
When making decisions, our minds tend to take shortcuts and sometimes lean towards familiar patterns, even if they might not be the most rational choice. These biases can inadvertently seem to make decision making easier if you are unaware of them. This happened to me recently as I was shopping for toothpaste, I chose one that I am pretty sure I have seen in recent youtube adverts over one that may have been cheaper or better suited for me. Being aware of these small biases in decision making can have a profound impact on the decision taken. For instance, imagine you're considering a new job offer. You might focus on the positive aspects you've heard about the company, while overlooking potential downsides that could affect you. This is known as the 'confirmation bias’. It's important to be aware of these mental habits, as they can sometimes lead us astray. Being mindful of our tendencies to rely on these shortcuts can help us make more balanced and informed decisions.
Understand Emotions
Have you ever made an angry decision in the heat of the moment where it later comes back to bite you? This happens to many people and can be easily avoided with a bit of awareness and control. Understanding emotions is crucial to effective decision-making, our feelings provide valuable information about our values, desires, and concerns. Being aware of your current state of emotion when having to make a decision can help understand why you are swaying one way or another. For example, if you're feeling anxious about a certain choice, it might indicate that it conflicts with your values or triggers a fear of the unknown. On the other hand, a sense of excitement could signal alignment with your goals. These emotions offer insights that can guide us towards decisions that resonate on a deeper level. It's crucial to acknowledge and reflect on these emotions, rather than dismissing them. Allow yourself to feel those emotions but take a moment when needed to calm down, consider your options and think with a clear head and mindset.
Consider the Context
Every decision exists within a broader context, and being attuned to this context is key. The circumstances around a decision can have a big influence on the thoughts and insight that eventually lead you to making the decision. If we consider the same scenario of planning a trip away, imagine you select a date for this trip away and are so set on going as soon as possible that you aren't able to consider any context to the decision. This context could be to check the weather on this weekend away, possibly research any specials you could make use of on another date or possibly even just a time where more friends could come along with you. This broader perspective can illuminate the potential ripple effects of your decision, allowing you to make choices that harmonize with the bigger picture. Context also allows us to listen into and understand the effect of our decision on other people and our surroundings.
In conclusion, being present and mindful, watching out for biases and shortcuts, understanding emotions, and considering the context are all vital components of effective decision-making. By incorporating these practices, you can navigate decisions with greater confidence, leading to outcomes that align with your values and goals. Remember, the way you approach a decision can make all the difference in the outcome you achieve. With this in mind, picture how you will tackle those big decisions in the future and start practicing awareness in decision making.