Decisions, decisions: 3 approaches to making life choices

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Life choices can be difficult. More than ever it’s easy to look at our peers and see the road not taken. With the prevalence of social media, we also have FOMO, or “Fear of Missing Out” and the anxiety that brings.  As our world view has expanded because of technology, more choices about how we live our lives have opened up.  But is more choice always better?  How can we make a choice that is right for us in the face of so many options?  Let’s break down some theories of how to make life choices.

Warren Buffet via upworthy:

1. It’s gotta be a big choice and a big win.
2. The decision has to create value for you consistently and currently.
3. The decision will benefit everyone who’s invested in it, and it won’t leave anyone hanging.
4. Everything necessary for success should already be in place.
5. The decision may be hard, but the terms should be simple.
6. The options are clear and available.

Simple Life Strategies:

1. Banish any FEARS associated with making the wrong decision. Remember that failure is a pre-requisite for success.
2. If the voice inside your head is starting to repeat its-self, switch it off! This is over-analysis in action. Try getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper to structure your thinking.
3. Practice ‘Open Minded Action’ where you ‘take action’ and make a decision but don’t get too attached to the outcome
4. Tune in for any ‘instinctive’ feelings associated with the decision you’re about to make. Be careful not to confuse ‘instinct’ with ‘desire’. Try sitting with your decision for a while to see if it ‘lingers’ before taking action.
5. Check in with your morals. Ask yourself “Is what I’m about to do for the benefit of everyone involved?”
6. Keep a balance between your head and your heart – you don’t want to throw logic out of the window, however it’s important to listen to your gut.

Positively Present:

1. Listen to your instinct.
2. Weigh the pros and cons.
3. Get outside input.
4. Don’t let fear decide.
5. Do what’s best for you.
6. Trust in yourself.
7. Don’t ever look back.

So what do these three methods have in common?  A choice of clear action that seems to benefit yourself and others.  Gathering information from outside sources, but ultimately you must decide what you want to do.  Moving forward with your whole self towards what you believe is best.  Read more: try this book.

Have you ever had to make a difficult choice? Let me know in the comments.