Making Tough Choices

Last year, I faced the daunting decision to leave a job I considered to be the best I’d ever had. This was not an easy choice for me, as I felt deeply connected to that role, which seemed integral to my identity and future success. However, a compelling job offer prompted me to reconsider my situation.

Initially, I viewed it as a binary choice:

1. remain in my cherished position or
2. accept the new opportunity.

This perspective soon evolved as I pondered:

"What do I genuinely want?"

"Are these my only options?"

This introspection was inspired by insights from Seth Godin's Alt MBA program, which I happened to be enrolled in at that time. It taught me various methods for analyzing situations from multiple angles and becoming a more effective decision-maker.

Armed with a fresh perspective and new tools, I carefully evaluated my career trajectory. I contemplated my desired outcomes, thoroughly examined my options, and reflected on what needed to occur for those possibilities to materialize.

The conclusion was unexpected. I realized that neither my current job nor the new offer was the right fit for me; instead, I felt compelled to venture out on my own. A year later, I am immensely grateful for that choice.

The Decision-Making Framework

Below is a structured approach I utilized to navigate my decision-making process. I hope it aids you in evaluating your options and helps clarify the path ahead.

1. Define Your Decision: Articulate your decision as a question.
2. List Your Options: Write down your choices as distinct paths.
3. Identify Important Factors: Determine the criteria that are significant for this decision and reflect on them.
4. Desired Outcomes: What do you want to achieve? How will you measure success?
5. Assess Each Option: Rate each criterion on a scale from 1 to 5, keeping in mind that some factors may be quantifiable while others are subjective.
6. Consider Risks and Dependencies: Evaluate the potential risks associated with each option and how likely they are to manifest.
7. Total Scores: Add up your ratings.
8. Explore New Options: Are there alternative paths you haven’t yet considered? Revise your initial question if necessary to broaden your perspective.
9. Reassess Ratings: Adjust your scores based on their relative importance, ensuring a fair evaluation.
10. Visualize Your Process: Create a decision tree or a simple matrix to visualize your options.

This approach provides a solid foundation for decision-making, but feel free to adapt it to suit your individual needs and preferences.

Tips:

• Write from a third-person perspective to detach yourself from the emotions of the situation.
• Take a break and revisit the decision with a fresh mindset. Does it still hold?
• Remember that decisions are not set in stone; you can always reassess and make new choices.

While this method isn't flawless, it serves as a helpful framework for gaining clarity and insight into your decision-making process. Often, we become overly attached to desired outcomes or the people involved. Striking a balance between logic and emotion can empower you to make confident choices.

Exercise your power of choice.

Live intentionally, not by happenstance.

In the video "Before You Decide: 3 Steps To Better Decision Making" by Matthew Confer, you'll discover valuable insights and techniques for enhancing your decision-making skills.

The video "How to make better decisions" by Dr. Joe Arvai offers practical advice and methodologies for improving your decision-making process, ensuring you make choices that align with your goals.