Paralyzed by Big Choices? 5 Questions To Transform How You Face Life's Biggest Choices

Have you ever faced a decision that felt too big, too risky, or just too uncomfortable? We've all been there. I put myself in this situation a few weeks ago when I wanted to invite my friend to join me at the Summit of Greatness. To make it happen, I coached my friend through the process of breaking through her considerations in order to make a decision. Spoiler alert: She joined me and had a life-changing experience!

This journey was so impactful that I decided I had to break down the process to share it with all my unstoppable community. Today, I want to take you through the steps of this transformative decision-making process – a process that not only changed my friend's perspective but also reinforced the power of asking the right questions when facing life's crossroads.

The Initial Resistance

When I first suggested to my friend that we attend the Summit of Greatness, the response was immediate and predictable: "Are you crazy? We can't just drop everything and go!" Sound familiar? It's the voice of our comfort zone, disguising fear as practicality.

But here's the thing – I've learned that the right questions can turn a resolute "no way" into an enthusiastic "let's go!" So, I decided to guide my friend through a series of questions designed to unlock their decision-making process.

The Decision-Making Framework

1. How does it feel?

The first step was to tap into emotions. I asked my friend two simple questions:

• "How does it feel to imagine yourself going to the Summit?"
• "How does it feel to imagine yourself NOT going?"

This exercise isn't about logic; it's about gut instinct. Often, our emotions hold valuable information that our rational mind might overlook. My friend realized that while the idea of going felt scary, it also brought a sense of excitement. Not going, on the other hand, felt safe but somewhat disappointing.

2. Explore all possibilities

Next, we used the "wear different hats" technique. This involves looking at the decision from various perspectives:

• The Optimist Hat: "What's the best that could happen if you go?"
• The Pessimist Hat: "What's the worst that could happen if you go?"
• The Realist Hat: "What's most likely to happen if you go?"

This exercise helped my friend see the full spectrum of possibilities, from networking with industry leaders and gaining transformative insights, to the more practical concerns of time off work and travel costs.

3. What will you regret the MOST?

This question is powerful because it shifts the focus from short-term discomfort to long-term satisfaction. I asked my friend:

• "Five years from now, what would you regret more: going or not going?"

This perspective often clarifies what truly matters to us. My friend realized that the potential regret of missing out on this opportunity far outweighed the temporary discomfort of stepping out of their comfort zone.

4. What are your objections?

It's crucial to address concerns head-on. I encouraged my friend to list all objections:

• Financial cost
• Time away from work or family
• Fear of the unknown

By naming these fears, they became less intimidating. We were then able to address each objection practically, finding solutions like budgeting strategies and ways to manage work responsibilities.

5. How is it possible?

The final question shifted the focus from "if" to "how." Instead of asking, "Can I go to the Summit?" we asked, "How can I make it possible to go to the Summit?"

This subtle shift opens up creative problem-solving. Suddenly, my friend was brainstorming ideas:

• Using vacation days strategically
• Setting up a savings plan for the next few months
• Proposing to share insights from the Summit with their team at work

As we worked through these questions, I watched my friend's hesitation transform into excitement. The decision to attend the Summit wasn't just about the event anymore; it became a symbol of embracing growth and challenging personal limits.

The Bigger Picture

This process isn't just about attending an specific event. It's a framework for approaching any significant decision in life or business:

1. Connect with your feelings
2. Explore multiple perspectives
3. Consider long-term impact
4. Address fears directly
5. Focus on solutions, not obstacles

As leaders, we often face decisions that can shape the future of our organizations. By using this framework, we can approach these decisions with clarity, confidence, and an open mind.

Think about a decision you're grappling with right now. It could be personal or professional. Try walking through these five questions. You might be surprised at the clarity you gain.

Remember, every "yes" to growth starts with the right questions. What will you say "yes" to today?

Ready to unlock the power of decision-making in your team or organization? Let's connect and explore how we can bring this framework to life in your context. Together, we can transform hesitation into action and uncertainty into opportunity.