Are you skilled in making good choices every day?
If you’re not sure, take a look at your life right now. Is everything unfolding exactly as you’d hoped?
Odds are, it’s not all sunshine and roses, right?
You’ve probably made some boneheaded mistakes you’re still dealing with today.
Whether it’s an impulsive shopping spree or diving headfirst into the wrong career, some choices can come with a significant cost.
But the good news is that each day brings new opportunities.
You’ve got every chance to turn things around and fill your life with joy and fulfilment by learning how to make good choices consistently.
Here are four strategies to help you improve your decision-making skills and transform your life.
The Pros and Cons: Weighing Options to Make a Good Choice
This classic approach is perfect for choosing a path when you’re on the fence.
Say you’re at a crossroads in your career and can’t make up your mind.
Grab a notebook and pen. Draw a vertical line down the middle.
On the left, jot down the pros of starting a new career, and on the right, the cons.
Whichever side has a longer list wins!
After my online retail business flopped, I agonised over whether to rejoin the job market or take a shot at a new business idea.
Under the pros of finding a job, I had three convincing arguments.
But on the other side, I had five.
I knew I could easily add more, so the choice was clear.
Once you decide, burn the bridge.
Don’t waste time and energy on “what if…” Instead, focus all your attention on the path you’ve chosen.
For me, it’s all or nothing.
Choosing a Partner: Making Good Choices in Relationships
If you’ve been daydreaming about the perfect romantic partner, I’ve got a foolproof plan for you.
Nope, it’s not about swiping right on Tinder or diving into OkCupid.
Hold off on that for now.
First, grab a piece of paper.
Jot down all the qualities you want in your dream partner.
Try to resist listing Brad Pitt or Scarlett Johansson lookalikes if you can help it.
Maybe you’re looking for someone:
- compassionate,
- kind, generous,
- supportive,
- loving, positive,
- trustworthy,
- educated, etc.
The list goes on.
Let your heart run wild.
Once you’re done, take a good look at your list.
Now, make the decision to become that person yourself. The one who embodies all those amazing qualities you just listed.
Every day, commit to being and acting like the person you desire, so you can attract a partner who shares your values.
Already in a relationship?
Strive to be the partner you want in return.
Showcase the qualities you’re looking for, and you might just find your partner mirroring them back at you.
Will Your Choice Benefit Your Future Self? Evaluating Long-Term Impact
When faced with a decision, always factor in your future self.
Seriously, always!
For instance, maybe you’re tempted to down half a bottle of vodka tonight.
Or splurge on a flashy pair of Jimmy Choos.
Or procrastinate the day away instead of tackling your to-do list.
Ask yourself: will your future self be better off tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year because of your choice today?
By considering your future self in every decision, you’ll be more mindful of how you use your resources, like time and money.
Remember, your life isn’t just about the present.
Every choice you make today shapes your future self.
Take care of that person by making wise choices that benefit them—using time efficiently and saving money for their sake.
Live a life that your future self will be grateful for.
Ask Open Questions: Enhance Decision-Making to Make Good Choices
Feeling stuck in life? Not making the progress you’d hoped for?
It might be because you’re running on autopilot, going through the motions without thinking about the results.
Time to shake things up!
Here’s how: Ask yourself open questions.
In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, participants were asked to solve 10 anagrams during a handwriting test.
Some were told to write “Will I,” while others wrote “I Will.”
Turns out, those who wrote “Will I” solved nearly twice as many anagrams as the “I Will” group.
When you’re evaluating your goals and progress, you might default to saying, “I will.”
- I’ve got to achieve this goal.
- I will try harder.
But that “I will” mentality keeps you trapped in the same thinking patterns, doing the same things, only harder—and facing the same disappointing results!
To break free, put your automatic thinking on hold and look at your situation from a fresh perspective.
The key is to ask open questions.
When you pose the right question, your brain has an amazing ability to find an answer.
Talk to yourself out loud.
Ask for guidance.
Here are some examples of open questions:
- What caused me to fall short of my goal?
- What held me back from earning the money I targeted?
- How can I make this work?
Open-ended questions help you see things from different angles and explore new approaches.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Power of Making Good Choices Every Day
No matter the weight of past choices, each new day brings a chance to create a better tomorrow.
To make good choices every day, try:
- Writing down the pros and cons of your options
- Becoming the person with the traits you want in a partner or friends
- Considering your future self’s well-being when making decisions today
- Asking yourself open questions
By following these steps, you’ll turn your life around, creating a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling future.
You Might Also Enjoy…
- The Ultimate List: 70 Ways You’re Wasting Your Time
- 4 Reasons Why You’re Indecisive and Can’t Make Up Your Mind
- How to Find Your Best Habit Hacks
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