How To Make Good Decisions & Stick With Them
We all have moments in our lives when we have to make decisions. Sometimes the decisions come easily, and sometimes it feels as if our whole body is frozen and we cannot move past the many options in front of us. This is why, in this new year and new resolution season, I wanted to share my “go-to” process to make smart decisions and stick to them without having to second-guess yourself. After we “Marie Kondo” our homes, it’s time we “Marie Kondo” our lives! Here are some simple tools to understand how.
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1. FOLLOW THE SIGNS
One of the first things to do is simply look at the signs around you.
When I made the decision to leave France and move to Oregon (USA), something mind-blowing happened: I was in a dark place, I was feeling stuck and had no projects nor opportunities insight. Thanks to chance encounters, I decided to leave Paris and start fresh in the U.S. As soon as I had decided to move, it felt like everything around me shifted into a bright and flawless pathway. My transition went more smoothly than I could have hoped. I barely had to pay for the plane ticket, managed to easily sell all the things I wanted to let go of, I learned that a childhood friend was living in the area and I started to meet the right people with the right advice.
A few years later, I can say that it was the best decision I could have made. I landed a kick-ass job that allows me to help “save the world” (I work on climate change), met my sweet husband and amazing friends, released a record and launched this blog. I have never second-guessed my decision.
Not every choice you’ll make will have clear signs to follow, but if you start to pay attention to what is around you, you’ll notice enough to feel if you are on the right path.
2. WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS
This is a major one. It is the foundation of your decision. The more accurate you are with this part the easier your choice will be.
Go to a quiet area with something to write on. Take a few deep breaths and ask yourself what are your goals in life. Visualize what you want to do with the limited time you have on this planet. What would make you happy?
When I’m really stuck, I like to visualize myself around the years 80/90, on my death bed. I talk to her, ask her what advice she has for me regarding this subject. The answers usually come pretty quickly and clearly.
Be mindful of how your body reacts to your vision of your future and your goals. If you feel a little tense inside, your body might be telling you something is not right. On the other hand, if you feel light and “open,” your body might be telling you that you are on the right track.
RECOMMENDED: I use the Clear notebook to track my goals and projects and how I keep track of my new habits. Click the image to get yours it’s worth it!
3. REFLECT ON THE PAST
Now that you know what you want to do with yourself, it’s time to look back on the back few months, years, or decades and analyze your past behavior. What type of decisions have you made? How did it work for you and what decisions did not work? Are they aligned with your goals? Notice how your body is reacting to these memories (yes, the body is an excellent adviser). Is there something you particularly regret or that you are proud of?
BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. This is not a time to pretend, but for a real introspection. Don’t judge yourself but learn from your past. Are there things or activities you have been postponing or overdoing. Write it down.
4. VISUALIZE WHO YOU WANT TO BE
This is the fun part. Once you’ve explored your past and have set your goals, it’s time to visualize who you want to be! A little bit like Marie Kondo suggests doing with your home, do it with yourself! (side note, if you’ve been curious about this book, I highly suggest it. You can get your copy here while supporting my work!)
Take time, in a peaceful environment, to relax and take deep breaths. Start to see yourself in one specific Path. How do you feel? What do you do? Are you happy? How does your body react? Try and pay attention to every detail of your vision. How is that decision connected to your goals? How does it different from bad decisions you’ve made in the past? If your community/family is important to you, how is it impacted by that choice? If it is a career change you are seeking, look at how your finances or your relationship to your loved ones impacted. How does it make you feel?
Then move on to an alternative option and go through the same process. Do it with all the different paths you are facing.
Once you are done, write down your experience with every single path you’ve visualized.
You should feel a little lighter as at least a part of you knows what you should do. You do not have to make up your mind right away. Sleep on it if you need, or go right ahead and start making your dream a reality.
WANT TO GO FURTHER?
Here are a few things you can use to help you on your journey.
Meditate:
I found this meditation to be really helpful with decision making. Give it a try!
Use Crystals:
You may be surprised (or not) about this one, but crystals can be of great help. Use them while you are reflecting and thinking about your options. Their vibration can stimulate your intuition and add guidance to the process and bring positive energies in your life and your home. (Click on the image if you want to get one while supporting the blog!)
Amethyst
Azurite
Crystal Quartz
Read:
Here are the TOP 3 books related to Decision making.
While not specifically related to decision making, Marie Kondo has a great philosophy and you should read her book.
CONCLUSION
I hope these steps will help you find your true self and consequently make good decisions! If you do, don’t hesitate to share it with people you know who need guidance in their decision making process and also, let me know how your decision making is going.
