When it comes to making decisions that take you out of your "comfort zone," it can be emotionally draining.
One way to avoid this emotional turmoil is to be untrue to your own beliefs. This, however, is an approach you'll most likely want to avoid. You're lying to yourself.
If you go that route, your conscience will eat away at you.
Instead, try this process to help you make those tough decisions with confidence:
1. Weigh the alternative. When a tough decision looms, there is always an alternative. It's generally easier to go with an alternative that saves yourself the stress. But at what cost?
If you're honest with yourself, you'll realize that the tough decision may be the best decision from a moral standpoint. It's hard to go wrong when you go the moral route!
Avoid making decisions that you know may rest on your conscience forever. That makes it difficult to live with a true peace of mind.
2. Consider the outcome. Difficult decisions will usually work out for the better in the end. But in the short term, you may be worried about those who may not be pleased with the decision. Your toss-up is between two glaring options.
Should you continue on in a less than favorable situation? Or do you decide to make a change for the better?
A great way to justify making a hard decision is to look at the potential outcomes. Do you see yourself in a more positive situation after you make this decision? Can you envision life being less stressful?
Always remember what you're trying to achieve in life—your mission & purpose. Make your decisions based on your goals, whether they are big or small. If you want to be happy, avoid living according to the goals of others.
3. Limit the advice you take. In some scenarios, advice is helpful. However, in others, it can easily cloud your judgment.
When making a tough decision, don't be afraid of going with your gut. It's the right move if you're aligned with your conscience!
When you hear several opinions, there's a chance you may get confused. Of course, be courteous to everyone offering their suggestion. Respectfully listen to everybody who's trying to help. But listen with "one ear."
It's possible to hear the advice and not take it to heart. It's also possible to weigh everybody's feedback and filter the ones that aren't helpful.
4. Think outside your comfort zone. Remember, life tends to be uncomfortable. While we'd all prefer otherwise, it's a reality you just sometimes have to face. When you train your mind to think of discomfort as the standard, tough decisions become easier.
Nobody likes to be uncomfortable, especially for extended periods. But that's what you'll be if you avoid making tough decisions. Choose courage over comfort.
If you know something is right, block out all the noise and listen to your conscience.
You may end up losing friends, but by making a tough decision, you will also gain much more. Consider peace of mind, a clear conscience, and genuine happiness. When you decide what is best for you, these can all be yours.
So focus on the task at hand. Focus on what accomplishing your task will help you achieve. If the end result of your decision makes your situation better—specifically if it supports your goals and aligns with your conscience—become confident that you’ve made a wise decision, even if it was "tough."
We help people figure these things out.
As always,
Brian
P.S. – Our latest podcast with Scott Fischbuch on Human Typology is now available. There is a link to the audio podcast on the front page of BrianDOLeary.com.
For the YouTube version:
