How do you make decisions?

It’s a question we all face daily, whether in our personal or professional lives. Decisions shape who we are and where we go. Yet, most of us don't spend much time reflecting on how we make them—we just tackle each one as it comes. But what if we added a little more structure to that process? Could we make better choices? I believe we could.

Let’s break down a few approaches you might already be using:

1. Decisions based on experience: They say experience is the best teacher, and for good reason. When you've lived through something similar before, your past can guide you to a better decision. It’s hard to beat.
2. Decisions based on facts: In the absence of experience, facts are your next best bet. With AI and data tools becoming more accessible, we can make more informed choices than ever before. Facts won’t guarantee a perfect decision, but they sure do improve your odds.
3. Decisions to learn: Sometimes, we know there’s a good chance of failure but still decide to move forward for the sake of learning. Think of it as a calculated risk. For example, many people hesitate to start investing because they fear making mistakes. But sometimes, taking the plunge is the only way to learn and grow. Every decision doesn’t need to be a win; some are about the lessons you’ll gain.
4. Value based decisions: This is a powerful tool to use whether you are creating an identity for your Company or building a personal brand. Being aware of your values and incorporating them into your decision making can create an enduring identity that resonates with your friends, family colleagues, clients and customers alike.
5. Decisions based on intuition: Gut feelings can be powerful, especially in ambiguous situations where facts or experience are limited. It’s about trusting yourself and tying that intuition to past experiences. How have your instincts served you before?
6. Decisions based on hope/leaf of faith: While we should be cautious about relying too heavily on leaps of faith, there are times in life when it’s the only thing that pushes us forward. Maybe you don’t have all the facts, or you’re stepping into something completely new or you feel you have too much to lose. Hope, combined with courage, can sometimes be the nudge we need. When I decided to step away from my career to pursue further studies, it was one of the most challenging decisions I had ever made. At the time, I was working in a stable role, but I felt the need for change, to broaden my skill set and to take time to reflect on the next phase of my journey. I didn’t know exactly where this decision would lead, but I trusted that investing in my education would open doors.
7. Decisions/ Indecisions driven by fear: This can be the biggest obstacle to progress. If you are stuck in this rut and realise it, try evaluating if you can use some of the above frameworks to challenge yourself.

Ultimately, decision-making is about moving forward, especially when you’re standing at a crossroads. By reflecting on how you make decisions—whether it’s through experience, facts, intuition, or even hope—you get to know yourself better. The more you understand your decision-making style, the more you can refine it and adapt.

So, how do you make decisions? And how has that shaped your journey so far?

#DecisionMaking #CareerGrowth #LifelongLearning #GrowthMindset #CriticalThinking