Decisions, Decisions, Decisions …. What Do I Do Next?  

Anyone who is thinking about changing their course is faced with lots of new decisions.  Decision making is tricky and not everyone is good at it.  There are lots of ways to look at decisions. We do things like flip a coin, make list of the pros and cons, listen to our hearts, or by contrast, let your practical head rule.  Some people just always go with their “gut instinct” and others just charge forth blindly, throwing all caution to the winds.   

I saw an article not long ago that suggested using the bracket method which I thought was a unique approach. The writer suggested that just like the March Madness Basketball playoff charts, you put the major goal in the center winner’s place.  Then you build your steps to success backwards toward the outside edges.  At each level, you have to decide what is the better move.

We’ve been making choices all our lives and the results of those decisions have landed us where we are today.  So, if we don’t like where we are, it means we have made some bad choices or wrong decisions.  Albert Camus said that “Life is the sum of all our choices.”   So how do we do it better this time?   

The first and most important job is to gather as much information as possible so that your decision is informed.    Before you can decide to follow a new career path, you need to ask a lot of questions and talk to a lot of people about the idea you are considering.  Go to the experts and ask for advice and information. 

Let’s say you want to open a coffee shop.  Work at one for a while so you truly know what it’s like to be behind that counter instead of lounging in the chair by the window.  (See the blog entry , “She Wanted to Own a Coffee Shop.) 

Thinking about working at home?  Use your vacation this year to stay home all week to work on a project.  Did the kids and the dog drive you nuts?  You could consider renting an office space instead, but that changes the whole dynamic of your idea.

Does your idea mean that you will work alone most of the time?  Make sure you can do that.  Many people enjoy the solitude and freedom, others need the feedback and companionship of at least a partner if not a team.       

 Business manager and author Lester R Bittel says, “Good plans shape good decisions.  That’s why good planning helps to make elusive dreams come true.”

No matter how you go about it, take the time to find out the facts and to evaluate the various options.  Think honestly about your past experiences and your personal likes and dislikes.   There are many factors that go into creating a happy work life and good decision making depends on good information.