When it comes to making difficult decisions, we often find ourselves feeling stuck and uncertain about which path to take.

However, there are ways to improve our decision-making skills and make choices that align with our values and goals.

Fresh from being named as the best Australian counselling podcast by the digital content aggregator Feedspot, Sandy Oswald returns with a third season of the So Many Answers podcast, with the first episode exploring effective strategies for better decision making.

One of the first steps to making a good decision is to take some time to reflect and consider the options. As Sandy Oswald suggests, it can be beneficial to slow down the decision-making process and allow ourselves a couple of days to let the heightened emotions settle.

“Usually I would suggest when making a big decision, or even when answering like a relational confrontation that we might be having, allow yourself a couple of days before making that decision or before answering back, just to take those big emotions out of the situation.

“After a few days, your thoughts are clearer and you’re not reacting, but instead you’re acting out of self control and peace, rather than anger, frustration, or dysregulated emotions.”

This gives us an opportunity to gain clarity and make a more rational choice. Another helpful strategy is to seek counsel from other people. As Sandy mentions, discussing our ideas with someone close to us can provide a fresh perspective and unscramble our thoughts.

Talking to others helps us consider different viewpoints and can lead to greater clarity in our decision-making.

“Getting counsel from two or three other people, often when making a decision, it helps that you thrash out your ideas with someone close to you”, says Sandy.  “This does two things. It gives you another perspective, and it also unscrambles your thoughts.”

Additionally, it is important to consider the alignment of our choices with our values and beliefs.  Making decisions that are in line with our values brings a sense of peace and fulfilment.

Furthermore, weighing the importance of a decision is crucial. Not every choice carries the same weight, and it is essential to differentiate between minor decisions and those that will have a significant impact on our lives.

By assigning the appropriate importance to each decision, we can avoid wasting unnecessary time and energy on less crucial matters.

Sandy Oswald is the host of 96five’s counselling podcast, So Many Answers (supplied).

Lastly, when making decisions within a relationship, it is important to prioritise unity and compromise. Both parties need to bend and find a middle ground that allows for mutual agreement. Unity provides a foundation for blessings and strengthens the connection between individuals.

Making difficult decisions can be challenging, but by applying these strategies, we can improve our decision-making skills and make choices that align with our values and goals.

Remember, it is okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Life is a journey of growth and learning, and every decision we make contributes to our personal development.

So take your time, seek counsel, reflect on your values, consider the importance of each decision, and prioritise unity in your relationships. By doing so, you will navigate the decision-making process more effectively and find greater satisfaction in the choices you make.

Remember, the key to making good decisions is to be intentional and thoughtful. By following these strategies, you can navigate the challenges of decision-making with confidence and make choices that lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Listen to this episode of So Many Answers in the audio player at the top of the page, or find it wherever you listen to podcasts.

Main Image by Pete Linforth (Pixabay).

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