When Faced with "BIG" Life Decisions
When faced with making significant life changing decisions such as a career change or purchasing a car or house, it is important to carefully consider your options. A simple and practical approach is the use of a one-page decision matrix where the quantitative and qualitative aspects of each option can be collected and assessed by weighing the pros and cons in a non-emotional way. It should also be used when only one option is currently being considered to ensure it supports your stated life mission and goals. If you have not considered what your life’s mission and goals are, you should stop and go back to create them first.
Rule #1: Slow down
Rule #2: Don’t panic
Rule #3: Slow down
A red flag should come up if someone is trying to rush you into making a quick decision without adequate time to consider all of your options and make an informed decision. Another test is, if you cannot clearly articulate the main factors that led to your decision and how they will hold up in 6 – 12 months or how they support your life goals, you may want to take more time. Fight the tendency to want the discomfort of making the decision to be over. We can often forget our longer term vision and goals, and in the heat of the moment take the path of least resistance.
Start by defining the decision criteria or the qualitative and quantitative parameters you would like to stay within (Tab 1 of the sample decision matrix). Once the decision parameters are defined they are moved to Tab 2, where several options can be evaluated side-by-side. The important thing is to do it. I guarantee using this process will result in better decision making. It also serves as a reference document if you start second guessing yourself later on.