Life is full of decisions. Some of the choices we are faced with have an obvious answer, and others are difficult to decide on. What should a person do when they are faced with a decision, and feel uncertainty about what to do? Here are some ways to balance your thoughts and feel confident in what you decide.
Handle Uncertain Times
Research the Topic at Hand
The best decision is an informed decision. Sometimes we are pressured into a decision out of fear, and this often leads us to a wrong one. Do not let fear control you. Instead, research your decision and decide what the best path to take is, based on what you learn.
Ask For Input
Making decisions can be tough, but it can help to bounce your ideas off of close friends. Although you alone are responsible for making your decisions, gathering a variety of opinions can assist you in thinking of aspects that you did not consider before. Seeing things from different perspectives can cause you to ask yourself more questions and work through the fine details of your choice, even before you make it. It’s especially helpful to discuss your thoughts and feelings with a therapist. Even during times when you aren’t able to see one in person, there are options for phone therapy available.
Quiet Time
After you have gathered many perspectives and opinions, take some time alone to focus on whatever is causing you to feel uncertain. Use this time to get away from all the distractions that are causing you to feel more stressed out and pressured. Cut out all the other voices and think about what you really want.
Think About the Good Decisions You’ve Made
Nothing adds stress to a decision like not believing in oneself. When you have confidence in your abilities, you are less likely to second guess yourself and more likely to trust your intuition. This is of great benefit. Make a list of all the good decisions you have made in the past and dwell on that when you start to doubt in your own wisdom. Know that you have what it takes to make a decision and follow through with no regrets.
Give Yourself Time
Do not rush yourself when making a decision. With each important decision comes the importance of taking the time to make those decisions with care and precision. You will rarely regret putting in extra time to be sure that your decision is right for you. Although there are exceptions, it is often the rush decisions that a person later regrets.
It’s Never Too Late
It can be discouraging when your indecision comes after it seems to be too late to change your mind, or if you have been living with the consequences of a decision that in hindsight seems to be a poor one. When a choice turns out to be the wrong one and brings you grief, a person’s first reaction can be to beat oneself up over it, and to despair.
Bring yourself out of that mindset. It is never too late to figure out a way to choose a better path for yourself. Even if changing your mind will cost you in some way, you have a choice in what path you take from this moment on. Make a list of pros and cons, and again go through all the steps listed above. When you are ready, make a choice and hold your head high. Choose a therapist and access their help through telephone therapy.
Life has many challenges, and many decisions. It can feel like a maze at times, trying to navigate all the choices we face on a day to day basis. Take these simple steps and learn how to handle uncertainty with all the confidence you need.