MoHow   Posted By   Dr. MO  Do you ever have problems making decisions? Problems reaching decisions when you are doing something on your own, or difficulties in situations that involve others in the decision-making process? Does your indecision sometimes cause you to lose momentum?

If you answered in the affirmative, you are certainly not alone. Decision-making is difficult for so many people. I have written this post to offer some suggestions on how to address this challenging subject and help you gain more control of this crucial aspect of life.

To that end here are 6 ideas I use which will help me reach decisions faster and more effectively. Check them out and see what resonates for you:

1. Make one decision at a time. Do not lump decisions together. Separate them and address them individually. This will help you focus and make the thinking and evaluating process much more manageable. Make one, act on it, get results, gain confidence, and then move on the next.

2. Gather the facts. Assemble the required information in advance. You need data, whether it’s research, budgets, resources, or timelines, before you can make a sound decision.

3. Minimize the number of people. If the decision involves the input of others, only include people that need to be there. Ask yourself if a person’s objection would stop the project. If not, then don’t include them. Remember “too many cooks spoil the broth.”

4. Be succinct. Use the fewest words necessary to describe the issue that needs to be addressed. Extra details will only muddy the waters and make the decision more difficult to reach.

5. Eliminate ‘fence-sitting’ . When making a decision, whether it is on your own, or with others, make it perfectly clear that you are about to make decision, not do more mulling. You’re not looking for more “I will let you knows”, or “let’s think about it”, you’re looking for “Yes or no” to a specific subject.

6. Record your decision. Write down what was decided precisely, including the factual basis for the decision. You and others will take the decision more seriously, and will abide by it, if you know it is recorded and distributed to others as required. Write it and then publicize it.

By taking these steps, you will achieve improved efficiency for yourself personally, and also in organizational and business situations. Using a simple system like this for reaching decisions and then recording them will help you reduce stress and create more momentum in all your endeavors.

Do you have ways to that help you make decisions? If you do, please share them in the comments!

This post provides you with fundamental information. If you want further help and coaching contact me at: joelsimms@maintainmomentum.com.

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