Trusting Yourself to Make the Right Decision

Making decisions is an essential aspect of life. Whether it's a significant life choice or a routine decision, the ability to trust yourself in making the right call is crucial. However, many people find themselves paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong decision or constantly second guessing their choices. If this sounds familiar, it's time to embrace a new approach to decision making—one that is deliberate, intentional, and rooted in self trust.

 This article is for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the pressure to make the perfect decision, frequently doubts their choices, or seeks to make more thoughtful and purposedriven decisions. It's about empowering you to break free from indecision and confidently navigate the myriad choices you face every day.

 Three Key Focus Areas for Confident Decision Making

1.  Understanding the Decision Making Process: Everything is Optional
   One of the most freeing perspectives in decision making is recognizing that everything is optional. You don't have to follow a predetermined path or stick to conventional options. This mindset can transform how you approach decisions by expanding your range of possibilities and reducing the fear of making a mistake. Here’s how to harness this freedom:

• List All Possible Options: When faced with a decision, brainstorm all potential choices, no matter how unconventional they may seem. This broadens your perspective and reduces the pressure to find the "right" answer immediately.
• Explore Beyond the Obvious: Push yourself to think beyond the first set of choices. Often, the best options aren't immediately apparent.
• Consider Worst-case Scenarios: Assess the worst possible outcomes. This helps demystify your fears and prepares you for any eventuality.  Remember to consider probability.
• Imagine Best-case Scenarios: Visualize the best possible outcomes. This can motivate and guide you towards positive possibilities.
• What Would You Choose If Judgment Didn’t Exist?: Free yourself from the fear of others' opinions. What would you decide if no one else’s thoughts mattered, including your own self judgment?
• What If You Didn’t Have to Do Anything?: Remove all obligations and pressure. What choice truly resonates with you?
• Remember, there are no inherently right or wrong decisions. There are decisions and there are outcomes.  Each outcome, wanted or unwanted, is an opportunity for growth and learning, guiding you on your path. 

2. Power in Perspective: Aligning Decisions with Values
   As Matthew Kelly wisely said, "If you only learn to master one moment in your life, learn to master the moment of decision." Aligning your decisions with your core values can transform your decision making process, reducing uncertainty and enhancing confidence. Here’s how:

•  Identify Your Core Values: Understand what matters most to you. These values should serve as a compass for your decisions.
• Use Values as a Filter: When making decisions, evaluate how each option aligns with your core values. This alignment brings clarity and comfort.
• Focus on Learning and Growth: View each decision as a chance to learn and grow. Even if the outcome isn't ideal, the experience is invaluable. 

3. Purposeful Living: Deliberate and Intentional Decisions 
   Living deliberately means making choices that reflect your true desires and purposes, rather than defaulting to what’s easy or expected. Here’s how to practice intentional decision making:

•  Own Your Choices: Acknowledge that you have the power to choose. Recognize the privilege it is to have this power.
• Make Decisions on Purpose: Actively choose actions that align with your goals and values, instead of reacting to circumstances.
• Conscious Decision Making: Make conscious decisions, whether for growth or comfort, in lieu of default decisions often driven by in-the-moment desires for comfort that ignore the overall desire beyond the moment.  This helps you navigate complexities more effectively.

 Trusting Yourself in the Face of Fear

 Decision Making can often be accompanied by feelings of fear, nervousness, or discomfort. Instead of viewing these emotions as indicators of a wrong choice, see them as natural parts of stepping into new territory. Here’s how to manage these feelings:

•  Normalize Discomfort: Understand that discomfort is a sign of growth. Embrace it as a natural part of making new and challenging choices.
• Support Yourself Through Uncertainty: Provide yourself with the support you need to navigate the unknown without letting uncertainty dictate your actions.
• Trust the Process: Have faith that these emotions are part of your journey towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life.