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Some decisions are difficult to make, especially when you fear change and the possibility of undesirable consequences. As difficult as these decisions may be, though, you get to learn invaluable life skills when you make important choices. This remains true whether the outcome is positive or negative. Addressing your emotional concerns and weighing them up against the practicalities can help move you to action. Read on for some tips on how to move forward when you’re frozen and unable to make a choice.

Have a chat with yourself

Nobody is a better listener than you so talk to yourself and find out what your thoughts and feelings are. Ask yourself what it is that you fear and address the worst-case scenarios. What is the worst that could happen?

From there it’s easier to identify what your goals are and to brainstorm your options. Make a list of all your possible choices. Identify the pros and the cons – this may require some research. Predict the consequence of each choice and ask yourself how you feel about it.

To get some perspective, ask yourself what the correct decision would be a year or two from now. Sleep on your answers. Don’t think obsessively and set a time limit for resolving your decision. Work at this every day for set periods of time. Then all that’s required is to gather the courage to implement your decision, whatever the outcome may be.

Have a chat with others

If your choice involves or affects others, you should all prepare individually and then clarify your goals and options. The process of sharing objectives, predictions and feelings should be done in a collaborative way.

Once everybody has individually prepared, a goal can be agreed upon. This takes open communication and facing the fact that you will all be facing the consequences of your decision together. A clear platform of expression will facilitate decisions that are not ruled by fantasies or fears.

Every individual involved should summarise the decision and proposed outcome. This should preferably be done verbally and in writing. The decision can then be acted on if all the statements are in agreement.

Tags: lifestyle