Powering your career: Taking critical decisions in life
All of us go through life being confronted by important choices that sometimes have the power and potential to alter the course of our lives. Sometimes our decisions take us on an upward trajectory and bring us peace and happiness and at other times we wonder if we could have done better.
Here are a few things I’ve learnt from some of the most important decisions I’ve taken in my life.
1. Having a choice is rare:
It is a privilege to be in a position where you have a choice and the autonomy to take decisions in your life. Never take this lightly. So even if it seems tough, start with gratitude.
2. Talk to friends, family, coaches, mentors and people you trust:
This one is obvious. It is good to hear different points of view. It is even more helpful if you are not easily swayed by what people think. People’s ideas and opinions are from their level of perception which may not be ideal or appropriate for you and your life. Take the information with an open mind, don’t rush into a decision and as a coach once told me, always assume good intentions!
3. Journal:
Find a way to get your thoughts out. I prefer writing. Usually in these situations the mind can be cluttered with incoherent ideas, opinions of others and our own, plans, to-do lists etc. The best way to deal with the overwhelm is to get it out on paper/ a document or even an excel (especially helpful if financial planning is a prerequisite for the decision). Don’t worry about structuring your thoughts yet. Once it is all out, it will (hopefully) be easier to sort through it and make it more coherent. Here are a few journalling prompts and methods that I’ve found helpful:
a.) Draw up the pros and cons of each option available to you.
b.) List out your core values.
Then match your values to the options. Which of these options support your core values?
c.) What are your non negotiables?
Think about what makes you truly happy - usually we go the materialistic route with this one. But in life materialism doesn’t count for much beyond a point.
d.) Draw up your ideal self and life 2-3 years from now: which of these choices will take you closer to the life you want. Of course, when we think ahead, there are many variables we can’t control but decisions that feel closer to where you aspire to be in the future eventually turn out better.
4. Give yourself time and space:
Don’t force yourself to take quick decisions. Take it slow and think it though. Spontaneity is fun when making plans with friends. For big life decisions like moving countries, quitting a job etc. being calm and taking the time is usually better.
5. Once the decision is taken - take ownership, move ahead, cut your losses:
Rally behind a decision and try your best to make it work. Don’t regret the path not taken, don’t dwell on ‘what ifs’ - it is a waste of time. If you realize it’s not working, change course quickly if that option is available.
You can never know whether you made the right decision except in hindsight. Whatever decision you make becomes your life path. And to be fair every path we take will come with its own ease and challenges and we learn from them.
In the end, be grateful for the opportunities, be proud of the decisions you’ve taken, good or bad - they taught you something and you are better for it.
Do your best and keep walking. It always gets better.
The winding roads of life! ft. Rowena Loops, Oregon
