Simple Tips For Helping You Get Better Results From Your Decisions

Maybe you're not seeing the results you want to see. You've set the goals, you've launched yourself into them and you don't quite seem to be able to set the right path to get there. If it sounds familiar then this run-down is for you! In this short article we are going to give you 10 ways you can re-evaluate how you're approaching decision-making.

Decision-making is not the same as goal setting, but, with every pathway to change comes a decision to ignite the change. 

Let's unlock 10 ways to help you make decisions that get you to where you want to go:

1. Find Your Inner Calm: Setting goals can be a very emotional process. If you're 'gunning' for a sports team, trying to reach an academic goal, maybe trying to reach a financial goal; these are all inherently close to your personal idea of success and progress. So, it is very important that when making a decision to set a new goal we check our emotions. Are we regulating our emotional instincts enough so we can set a goal which will be realistic and holistically, best for me. This may sound simple, but taking time before setting your goals is very important. We find a goal we want, we get excited about the prospect of reaching that goal and dive in. There is nothing wrong with that, but by taking time after getting the idea, we can regulate our emotions and gain an objectivity that may not be possible when the excitement of a new idea is bubbling inside of us.

2.  Know When To Follow Plans And When To Co-Create Them: Apply the right approach at the right time. Plans are so very important. After all, if you're setting a goal or making a decision, there are so many factors attached that help map out your pathway to success. Plans of course have their place; if there's a categorie 4 hurricane, it's the pre-planning for such a unstable situation which will guide us to a safer destination. However, in every day life we face changes at any moment in time which can break the path in a plan and require a slight adjustment. If the information around you is changing, co-create with that new information so that you can make sure you are continuously in the best position to be successful. 

3. Keep Yourself Nimble: Specifically your mind. How you approach situation and think informs the actions you take. Concrete or logical decision makers with get stuck into the tangible details, not looking to waste time on concepts. To the contrary, conceptual thinkers thrive off new ideas and concepts, but likely will spend far less time digging into the detail. Acknowledge which you are and make a conscious effort to integrate what you are not, giving you a well-rounded approach for all circumstances. Being flexible in this sense brings a diversity to your decision making which avoids echo chambers. 

4. Focus On The Mission: Know the end result you want, but most importantly: know the whole picture of how you will get there. Focusing on the criteria which directly impact the result might not be enough. What are the criteria which could have indirect impact on your results? If I have a budgeting goal, how much I earn is not the only criteria; the type of people I spend my time with influences my spending habits to. Get 'outside the box'. 

5. Disruption Is Not Always The Enemy: Impending disruption or completely surprising shifts in your environment are opportunities for better solutions. Look at the change that's happen, reflect on what you think should be happening and close the gap. What is the difference between the two, how can you bring the two different circumstances together. This mindset allows you to face any disruption with the same approach and that is key. Circumstances change, your approach and nimble mindsight will not; addressing disruption head on is always less risky than doing nothing at all. 

6. Intuition Can be Your Friend: As with most things in life, a balanced amount of intuition can make a positive difference. Everyone has intuitive intelligence. Access it by regulating your emotions, paying attention to your experiences from past decisions and listening to your "inner voice". We all get gut feelings, acknowledge that feeling and place it against tangible criteria you have developed for a decision as well as against learnings from your past. This will give you a wider range of thinking which will lead to a wider range of solutions you see for yourself.  

7. Mistakes, Or Learnings?: Here, we think ODE is particularly helpful. Always try and reflect on how you came to a decision and result. It is that decision process, the collection of criteria and evaluation of their worth collectively which guides you to a choice and creates results. Only with conscious effort can you acknowledge mistakes and turn them into learnings. 

8. Open Mindedness: Always listen to new information, reflect on it and choose what you are going to incorporate. It is not always easy to discern between usable and quality information and less useful information. Try to think of new information as "this or that". Use your "inner voice" to guide you away from inherently unnerving information. Here, it is very helpful to really know what is important to you as you can then measure that against your new information and eliminate what doesn't positively contribute to the results you are looking for.

9. Intuition Meets Rationale: Rational and intuitive thoughts both bring strengths to your decision making when used equally. Intuition can help foresee problems and solutions; rational will pick apart the intuitive voice to help you process research about such problems or solutions. 

10. Your Surroundings: you have a community, they of course will be happy to give their opinion. Armed with the last 9 points, listen to them,  process their voice, let your intuition provide 'gut feelings' towards the opinions and use rational to apply past learnings and logic to heighten your diversity of thought. Worried that you don't want to listen to the people around you? That's okay, there could be many reasons for that. Just be sure to take time and think about what you're talking about and with who. Not everyone is the right person for every topic. Know your friends and family as well as their strengths; this will make for a healthy decision making environment for you. 

We hope this article will help you on your journeys in life! They certainly have worked for us. But remember, these 10 points take time to consciously implement into your life. Write them down, actively use them when making decisions and you will find yourself approaching and processing decisions in a new and healthier way, putting you in the best possible position to get the results you want. 

As always, with love and respect, 

The Team at ODE ❤️