We make decisions every day, but sometimes, we find ourselves stuck in a cycle of indecision. Is there a desire that requires a decision or a commitment you keep kicking around in your mind, but then put off actually deciding?
We wait for the perfect time, the right mood, or someone else to take the lead. But here’s the thing: indecision is a decision. When we choose not to act, we decide to keep more of what we already have. I know this is true for many people around a health or fitness goal, wanting to reach a goal but not deciding on making it a goal, not deciding on a plan, or avoiding committing to any action. The result? More of the same.
You deserve to feel great in your own body, in your work or mission, in your relationships, and in your life. Self-actualization is the process of fully developing one's potential and using their abilities to the fullest. You deserve to experience a self-actualized life! Won’t it be amazing to reflect back on a life of bold decisions that led to learning, discovery, and joy, even in the hard parts, because you decided to go for it?
I am diving into the recipe of decision-making and exploring the ingredients required. Here are 3 keys about making decisions. This is all from a place of love and respect for you, the best version of your life, and what is possible.
We never avoid a decision, we just delay satisfaction.
Before we discuss decisions, let’s get real about indecision. When you decide to wait—whether it’s for the right day, month, or year—you’re not just avoiding a decision. You are deciding to stay in the same circumstances, with the same sacrifices, and the same reactions to the world around you. We like known things, it is in our biology to like knowns in life, even if what we are familiar with feels uncomfortable. (For example, you are in an unfulfilling job or relationship but don’t want to take a risk and decide to either show up differently or to make a change out of fear of the unknown, so you stick with the known discomfort.) People, time, and the environment all play a role in our decision matrix, but the truth is, the decision is yours. You can decide to do something different or to commit to a different approach, action, or focus.
By not making a decision, you’re choosing to be choiceless, to react instead of act, and to maintain the same pain points that hold you back. Consider the things that make you feel better, but you don't commit to, like getting better sleep or taking a walk every day. Decisions related to self-care usually have the payoff of us feeling better, but our fascinating human psyche keeps us stuck in patterns that ultimately don’t serve us. What is the payoff you desire? More energy? Less stress? More joy? Less frustration? What is one decision you can make towards that result?
Small decisions lead to bigger ones.
The tiny, seemingly insignificant choices you make each day build up, creating momentum that can lead to a significant impact. Do you want these choices to lead to shifts in a positive, intentional direction or to random outcomes in your life? Deciding to react to the world- your phone notifications, social media, emails, the news, or your same thinking, for example- can lead to simply coping, staying unfulfilled, and feeling frustrated with life. Alternatively, deciding to get up 10 minutes earlier, to finally tackle that project you’ve been putting off, to say “no” to something that distracts you, or to say “yes” to something that scares you a little bit… these decisions add up.
Deciding to do something better for your health, boundaries, stress levels, and attention can feel scary, but can also be the pivoting point for experiencing more joy, fulfillment, and connection. Remember, we feel safe in familiar patterns, even if there are negative consequences, so it takes courage to do something different.
Here is where the magic begins: Decisions create energy.
When you make a decision that feels scary or uncomfortable, you’re stepping into the unknown, which is often the birthplace of growth. There’s nothing more vital than growth— if you’re not growing, you’re stagnating, and eventually, you wither. Comfort can become a trap. Familiarity can be a slow decline. Challenging ourselves to think differently, show up for ourselves differently, or try a new pattern of being is bold and necessary.
Success, joy, and fulfillment are possible! When we make a decision we boost our brain chemicals for motivation. We create a surge of energy. I can think of a few indecision-decision contrasts in my life this year. Not deciding (not committing) created an energy drain of consideration in the background of my brain, like a slow drip from a leak that you don't really notice until something overflows. When I made a decision to take action, especially for the decisions I didn't have to make (I was answering to no one but myself) I generated more motivation and energy just from making the decision.
Think about it, how much energy to you lose to mulling over a commitment or making a decision? I have talked to countless clients who have an "aha moment" when they realize that all of the hours they spend thinking about how they should exercise equals a lot more energy cost than just doing the exercise, but it has none of the benefits. When you make a decision- one way or another- and it is an aligned decision, energy happens.
When do you decide?
The answer is now. The next bold decision you make could be the one that transforms your life. It doesn’t have to be huge, but it has to be yours.
To support you in elevating your mindset, I have a gift for you. It is a series of short videos and thought-provoking prompts, called Mindset Moments for Positive Shifts.
What if you are one thought away from unlocking your best decision?
Simply click here for more information, to sign up, and to share it with other awesome people you care about. Wouldn’t it be fun to be surrounded by people making courageous, intentional, positive shifts in their lives? Relax into that thought.
I am cheering you on to experience the life you want in a body you love.
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