Imagine this scenario…
You find yourself in a cozy café, surrounded by friends, laughter, and good vibes. The menu is open, but you have just been casually perusing. Now you notice that everyone is ready to order. It's time to decide swiftly. You might end up picking something safe, not entirely what you truly desire, just to keep things going smoothly.
I love how this simple example, something we’ve probably all experienced, really speaks to how we make decisions.
If we're not cautious, we can easily fall into a pattern of hasty decision-making, not just about what's for dinner but also regarding more substantial choices that can impact our careers and well-being.
Here are five ways to strengthen your resolve as you perfect the Art of Honest Choice.
1. Plan ahead of time.
Make a habit of setting aside time to think about your life and your options.
What are the things that are important to you?
What professional and personal goals are you working toward?
How are you defining success and seeking satisfaction?
Too often we live on auto-pilot, not really thinking about what we want out of life. However, when you're crystal clear about your aspirations, you'll recognize the right opportunities as they come your way and seize them with unwavering confidence.
2. Listen to your inner voice.
How often do you base your decisions on what others might expect or approve of? Rather than constantly worrying about the expectations of your peers, parents, and other people..tap into your inner voice. You know, the one that carries your deepest passions and dreams. While it may take some practice to hone this skill, it's crucial for women in business who are striving for success and satisfaction. Remember, there's time to evaluate the pros and cons later, but it's vital to start with a clear vision of what YOU want, ensuring your unique voice is never drowned out by the opinions of others.
3. Drop the Judgment.
We all have that inner critic trying to squash uncomfortable thoughts and feelings before we even get a chance to explore them. Instead of avoiding that discomfort…lean in. Valuable self-awareness is cultivated when we're brutally honest with ourselves, even when it's tough. Stay in tune with your own feelings and make peace with them, allowing you to move forward with clarity and strength. Keep in mind that, once you act on your dreams, you'll have to navigate the critiques of others. So, start by managing your inner critic. Otherwise, internal or external judgment can hold you back.
4. Weigh your options and outcomes.
After all that soul-searching and getting in touch with feelings there finally has to be a time for making decisions…weighing options and planning potential outcomes. Here are a few questions to help you sort through your options and create the outcomes you want.
How will your choices impact your future?
Will the pursuit of your dream require additional support or sacrifice from your loved ones?
What are the risks and benefits associated with each of your options?
What is the best possible outcome you can imagine?
What kind of strategy can you use to make that happen?
5. Commit to a course of action.
Sometimes we vacillate between options, carefully weighing what is good over here and what’s better over there. Spending time thinking things through is cool but at some point, you must…Just decide and commit!
Don’t be afraid of missing out on something or facing negative consequences as a result of your choice. Life is to be lived. Live it. Gain experience by choosing with honesty. If you don’t like your results you can always edit, modify, and choose better next time.
Knowing what you really want and going after it is an ongoing process. It starts with making small but honest choices that aren’t filtered by your, or someone else’s, inhibitions, fears, and limiting beliefs.  Once you’ve mastered the art of honest choice, you’ll radiate strength you never knew you possessed. You’ll be one step closer to the fulfillment of your dreams.