We all had to make a decision: What profession do we want to pursue? Where do we want to live? Popcorn sugared or salted? To get the best outcome, we naturally want to make the right decision. This can be hard to do on your own, but decision making coaching will guide you through the process of making a decision and provide you with methods and skills to make it easier.
In this blog post you will find the knowledge you need to make short and long-term decisions, the impact they have on our daily lives and the value that coaching for decision making can bring you.
When do we make decisions?
Countless situations every day require us to make a decision. It starts in the morning with our choice of clothes and our breakfast. These small decisions may not challenge us too much, but they accumulate throughout the day. We can think of our ability to make decisions that lead to desired results as a muscle. If our decision-making muscle is challenged a lot throughout the day, we find it harder to reach for a healthy alternative in the evening instead of the potato chips. This inconspicuous factor also affects major decisions in our lives. So try to be rested before you make a decision straight away.
Some decisions require a systematic approach.
Systematic decisions - What does a decision-making process consist of?
Principles of action - First and foremost, we should be aware of our values and principles. This helps us to act in accordance with these principles and to feel good about every decision we make. Coaching supports you in establishing and recognizing your values and principles, which also guide your actions.
What is there to decide in the first place? - The second step is to make a sufficient Research. We need background knowledge in order to be able to explain a decision to ourselves and feel comfortable with it. It is important to bear this in mind: There is not always just „yes“ or „no“. Even if we sometimes don't realize it, there can be many alternatives, which can be explained to you in a coaching session by the coach as a neutral discussion partner.
An example of the variety of possibilities:
We weigh up whether we want to carry out our normal training with the persistent muscle soreness or whether we would rather do without it today. Instead of doing without completely, we could incorporate a few regenerative exercises that support our recovery and don't overload us. In some situations, we need someone to give us this option.
Attention! No decision is also a decision. A necessary aspect of coaching for decision making is that we understand inner thought patterns, fears and doubts and thus personalize the decision-making process for ourselves ... You should never get stuck in the endless loop of research. Sometimes it is enough to set yourself a deadline by which the decision should be made in order to escape this endless spiral.
The final decision - Through coaching methods, the coach helps a person to come to a reflected decision. This includes the presentation of an opposing position by the coach or the development of self-awareness in order to understand one's own actions and thus the decision-making process
One help for you is the Rule of 10. Ask yourself:
What impact will this decision have in 10 minutes, 10 months, 10 years? Is it what I want?
Uncertainty - You will often be unsure about a decision. This is because we will never know what the alternative would have done. Even if we always want to get it right, we shouldn't wait forever to make a decision. Especially as a supposedly wrong decision teaches us just as much. It is precisely these decisions that give us the security and confidence to continue on the other path.
Once you know your principles, have done enough research and have come to a decision, the next one will be in front of you. However, a few general tips can simplify your decision-making process.
Tips for decision-making
Imagining the outcome of a decision - What would most likely happen if you followed through with your decision?
Po-contra list - We all know them and for some, making a list has made the process easier. It is certainly useful for the research part of the decision-making process. Nevertheless, you should also listen to your intuition, your gut feeling when making a decision.
Sleep on it - Some decisions need the clarity we only feel when we get up in the morning.
Take the step into the unknown - Previously we said that no decision is also a decision. Namely the decision to do nothing. We cannot see into the future and therefore cannot know what we will miss. What is certain, however, is that an earlier decision also enables us to implement it earlier and recognize whether it was the right one.
Accept advice, but never give up responsibility - Our friends and family can help us with advice, but it always includes their own opinion. Coaches, on the other hand, are neutral. So if you want to make the decision yourself, don't just follow someone else's opinion.
Pay attention to your feelings - which of the options makes you feel better? What gives you the greatest feelings of happiness?
Rationality over gut feeling - Some people need more information to really find the best option. Others already know everything, but are still stuck. At this point, it is helpful to pay attention to your gut feeling.
Decision-making coaching is for everyone. Whether you work in a job that requires you to make many important decisions in a short space of time, want to make a single decision that will determine your future or want to strengthen your decision-making muscle to choose the right option in everyday life. In doing so, you will get to know yourself and be able to act with self-confidence. It also always depends on the individual which methods and advice simplify the decision-making process. Have the courage!
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