“You can’t change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight”
Jim Rohn
I came across this quote recently and it got me thinking. Often, our reluctance to make necessary changes stems from a lack of information and a craving for instant results. We fail to perceive how these changes could propel us toward our goals, nor do we recognize how indecision pushes us further away. So, we find ourselves trapped in procrastination, seeking immediate gratification while overlooking the satisfaction that comes from simply aligning ourselves with the right direction.
Last week, I noticed I had been procrastinating on a decision. I started thinking about my decision-making moments, across different areas of my life and noticed there were a few times I made decisions almost instantly, no procrastination; and there were other times, where I analyzed and analyzed, and many more times I simply just procrastinated.
I realized there were common threads of what facilitated my decision-making process. I’m sharing them this week as inspiration and, perhaps, as a timely reminder for you as you think through your current decision.
- Get clarity. Start by identifying the real decision at hand and understanding the available options. Personally, prayer (or meditation) is a master key for me – it clears my mind and helps me pinpoint the decision required. Often, the actual decision required differs from my initial assumptions. Clarity is also the biggest facilitator of quick and effective decision making. My most significant decisions – such as choosing a life partner, making major professional moves, or participating in large investments – were made swiftly. However, upon reflection, I realized that what enabled this swift response was the reflection and deliberation beforehand. Clarity gained through prior reflection and planning positioned me to quickly recognize these opportunities and act on them.
- Get information. We stall on decisions because we don’t know enough to decide. Procrastination becomes a byproduct of this information gap. Identify what you need to know to make an informed decision and close that knowledge gap.
- Write down your options. There is something about putting pen to paper that brings clarity. Write down your options and assess the pros and cons of each. Defining that fear of the unknown is the first step in overcoming it. Who knows, what may initially seem like a drawback could potentially be addressed in negotiations, or even become a non-issue when weighed against other factors.
- Seek counsel. Bounce things off objective individuals. Their perspective can enrich your thought process and refine your thinking. Even when you are ‘sure’ about your decision, an outside opinion can help identify blind spots or simply offer suggestions that enable effective execution.
So, what is holding you back from making that decision that’s required to steer your life in the right direction? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Yours in possibilities,
TKO