7 ways to be more successful at making decisions.

Every day we are inundated with choices. Some are trivial. What salad dressing should I choose? Others are a bit more complicated.   

Becoming proficient at recognizing decisions that demand careful consideration and those that require little effort can be the difference between happiness and sadness.

There’s no “formula” for making good decisions, but these 7 strategies can be incredibly helpful when wrestling with tough choices:

“Once the decision is made, do not look back, do not second guess your decisions.” Muhammad Ali

Daily routine

I realize some people can’t stand routine. But I am telling you, routine works!

When you develop great habits consistent with making life simple, you win. 

Agonizing over a work out. What to wear. What should I do when I get up or what should I have for lunch? These trivial choices consume valuable mental energy that could be devoted to more pressing concerns.

Develop routines that promote healthy living and simplicity and you can concentrate on big decisions that demand mental energy.

Mornings are best

Extensive research has been conducted on judges and doctors that make big decisions after lunch. Their accuracy and efficiency drop precipitously.

One trick that works great. Make big decisions early. 

Most people operate best early in the day when their ability to make bigger decisions isn’t compromised by decision fatigue.

Save the small stuff for later.

Emotional assessment

I’ve read some horrible e mails sent by people that simply react and blast off their initial response. 

I can always tell when somebody is operating with minimal emotional intelligence.

They express over confidence and certainty that reeks of arrogance and insecurity. 

When you receive a critical e mail or troubling phone call, breathe and carefully consider your “best response”.

Research shows that only 35% of the population has astute emotional intelligence, which provides them with the ability to assess their emotions before “reacting”.

People with strong emotional aptitude only respond after they’ve carefully considered their; mood, morality and consequences. 

"Choice are the hinges of destiny" - Edwin Markham

Be objective

Carefully consider the ramifications of our choices. 

Good decision makers think carefully about the implication of their choices.

How does this decision benefit me or the other person? How will this choice hurt me or the other person? Will I have any regrets after making this decision? Is this decision consistent with my values and principles?

It can wait

I’ve learned the hard way not to react immediately. When I get disturbing news or an indignant e mail, I let it sit for 24 hours. Sleep on it and carefully contemplate your reaction before responding. The added time can be the difference between regret and reconciliation.

Exercise is the answer

There is one thing I depend on more than anything else to obviate the effects of stress and anxiety, and that’s exercise.

Before I make big decisions, I move my body. Intense exercise removes the stress and puts my mind in the proper place to make big choices.

The research is conclusive. Exercise improves our ability to make decisions. Exercise also helps us manage cortisol in the most efficient manner. When cortisol isn’t managed effectively, we spiral into fight or flight mood.

Seek Outside Counsel

Core friends are critical for enhancing our prospects for success. The top 5 people we associate with constitute most of what we believe. It pays to have close friends that share our predilection for excellence.

It also pays to have smart friends that offer great advice.

Outside opinions from intelligent people that have valuable experience is precisely what we need to ensure we don’t get trapped by confirmation bias.

Objective opinions make a big difference in out ability to sort through complex challenges.

“I think that there is something beautiful about mortality. It makes our decisions mean more.” —Brandon Boyd

Sum it up

The stakes are often high with big decisions. Making those choices carefully can prevent unwanted stress and regret.

Any suggestions for making BIG decisions? Please like and share this article and include your thoughts in the comments section below. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.  Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming. Steve is an author and host of the podcast program Anatomy of Success. Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn and grab the free Weatherology mobile app by clicking any image in this article.