We’ve all gotten Decision Stuck.
Decision Stuck is when we face a tough decision–such as buying a home, or changing a job, or making a move–and we just can’t make the call.
We’ve drawn up our pro/con lists, consulted with our team, and probably googled way to many search terms.
And day by day, deciding gets pushed away while pressure gets piled on.
How can we get proactive and lead our way out of Decision Stuck?
One way we get stuck in decisions is that the results of our choices are rooted in the future, while actually making the choice is rooted in the present. That makes it hard to envision the tomorrow consequences of our today decisions.
Try this: Move out of Present You’s head to see things from Future You’s perspective.
One way to do this is to use the 10:10:10 rule created by Suzy Welch.
Start with the decision you are facing–buying that home, changing your job or making that move. Narrow down the decision to two or three alternatives–A, B, and C.
Now, pick one decision and imagine you made that choice, right now. You chose “A.” Done. B and C are off the table.
Then, write out your answers to three questions:
Often, my clients find that the next 10 minutes are about how the decision makes you feel--What is your gut reaction to having decided?
The next 10 months are often about the practical steps needed to take--What would need to happen next as a result of this choice?
And the next 10 years are about the life this decision is crafting for you--What would this life look like...and is it one you would love?
When you have done this for one choice, repeat this exercise for the other possible options. What if you had chosen B, and not A or C?
If this is a decision you are making with someone else, like a partner, spouse, or team, include them in this exercise.
Then review your work:
Seeing your decision through the lens of Future You helps move you out of Decision Stuck.
Thomas helps leaders navigate what’s next. If he can serve you in this, reach out to him HERE.
Photo by Tim Johnson on Unsplash
