It is no surprise that most people are overwhelmed and paralyzed when it comes to decisions: there are simply too many options, each of them tempting and equally meaningful. We are afraid to miss out on something by choosing one option and turning down another. Here's help!
There are different approaches on how to make a decision - some people tend to think everything through, others rather trust their guts. There is no perfect solution or magic recipe that makes it easier to make a choice; usually it's a good mix of brainwork and instinct that brings the best results.
WHAT IF I'M MAKING A MISTAKE?
There are no real "wrong" choices (at least as long as they don't kill you). Each and every one of your decisions takes you forward and makes you who you are. So the main thing you need to focus on is to stop thinking and worrying too much about the possible outcome. Do your research, make up your mind, and then go for it! The following 5 methods can be of help next time you don't know how to deal with all those wonderful options.
1) The good old comparison
It is always useful to see things in black and white, so start writing down all the pros and cons of each option you can choose from. But be careful: only because option 1 has twice as many pros than option two, it does not automatically mean that you should go for option 1. Some arguments are more important than others, so you should think of some kind of "grading system" (digits or colors) to mark the importance and therefore the influence of each pro and con.
If there are more than 2 options and a simple list would become too chaotic, you can try the method of the so-called decision tree. Write down all your choices one below the other, and start the journey by comparing only the first two options. Write down the winner, continue with the next two options and so on. If you start out with let's say 12 choices, you will have your top 3 after only two rounds of comparison. Not so bad, right?
2) Use your imagination
One reason why we start feeling paralyzed as soon as a big decision comes up, is beacuse we can't stop wondering "what's gonna happen, if..." So what if you make your "ifs" reality? The so called 10-10-10 method is a really good tool to realize how much impact your decision will actually have. In most cases, it's way less dramatic than it looks like. Let's say you go to the hairdresser. If you decide to dye your hair in pink, this choice will probably have a huge impact after 10 minutes. You will look like a completely new person, it is a very big change. After 10 months however, your hair will most likely be "back to normal", so even if pink was not your best choice, it will only be a funny story to tell at the next family gathering. And then, after 10 years, you will most likely have forgotten about this terrible youthful folly. Next time the range of options becomes too overwhelming, try to remember that it's usually not that big a deal.
3) Toss a coin
No kidding! This is another way to activate your subconscious and listen to what it has to say. However, this is not about letting chance decide and determine your fate! You don't even need to wait until the coin shows heads or tails. Simply choose which option is represented by heads and which one tails stands for, then flip the coin and - pay attention to what's happening inside you. Which result are you hoping for? What would be your preference? This gives you a first hint of what you truly desire. You can also wait for the final result of your coin toss and look at your reaction closely: are you disappointed? Or relieved? Would you like to flip the coin again until it shows what you want to see? Your emotions are usually a very good and reliable indication when it comes to big and important decisions.
4) Talk to a friend
A second opinion can work wonders! Ask someone who you absolutely trust and whose advice you truly appreciate. Make sure that he or she is not directly involved in the decision process and won't be affected by the outcome in any way. You can show your friend your beautifully prepared list of pros and cons - maybe he can think of another argument that you have overlooked. Or you try to kindle your imagination by initiating a little role play: pick one of the options and assign the parts. Who will represent the pros and who will be responsible for defending the cons? You can of course swap roles from time to time, to see which point of view you feel most comfortable with and which position is easier for you to advocate for.
5) Make it happen
Taking a decision is only half the job. As soon as you have made up your mind and committed yourself to one of the options, there is no time to loose. Putting your choice into practice prevents you from doubting and / or regretting it. Only if you stick to whatever option you have chosen, you will be able to pull it through without looking back. Remember that you will most likely survive, no matter what you choose. And even if you realize that it wasn't the best thing to do after all, there is still no reason to be frustrated. You made your pick for a reason, so simply trust yourself and your decisions, enjoy the good ones and learn from those that didn't turn out as you expected them to. Decision making is a process that you can learn and improve, so be less strict with yourself and try to take it easy.