Making difficult decisions

As Nobel-prize winning economist Milton Friedman wrote: Should I take this job? Should I move to [place]?

Here's how to avoid procrastinating. Getty Images This story first appeared on The Musea Web destination with exciting job opportunities and expert career advice. Most people hate making decisions. Fear of picking the wrong option leads to a period of limbo where nothing gets done and the issue seems to grow bigger and bigger.

The real reason someone might be unable to make up his mind is that neither option is what he really wants. Maybe he truly wants want a job in an entirely new field. Maybe the prospect of two more years of school fills him with dread. So, when you find yourself stuck between possibilities, think about what you really want.

How to Make a Difficult Decision: 30 Ideas to Help You Choose

But by the time the acceptance came through, her job at home was revving up, she had a great mentor who was invested in developing her career, and she was feeling excited and happy about her current situation. As a Type-A personality used to succeeding, it was ingrained in her to pursue opportunities like the impressive fellowship.

Together we realized that she no longer wanted to go, but she felt bad declining the offer. In the end, she decided to stay, and to make sure she had no regrets, we made a plan for her to really focus on maximizing her opportunities at her current job.

I have clients who have been paralyzed by their inability to figure out what they want to do for a living. Now, picture an alternative scenario. She advances in the company, leads projects, and develops her resume. Practice Being Decisive The same clients who trouble with the big questions e.

You know who you are: You spend more time scrolling through Netflix than watching that half-hour show. Follow through on that decision.

Then work up to bigger things.

Think in Years, Not Days

Does this give you anxiety? Ask yourself what the worst-case scenario is if you pick wrong. If your lunch is lackluster, have something different for dinner. We date the wrong people, we stay in a job longer than we should, we order the wrong dessert. But action works in your favor, while inaction never does.

Sep 9, More from Inc.Aug 01,  · The decision making process is never easy. No matter how many tricks you have up your sleeve, you're bound to lose a little sleep over the big decisions. Sep 06,  · Making small decisions in a timely fashion will help train your brain to think through questions more quickly.

No one makes perfect decisions % of the time. We date the wrong people, we stay in a job longer than we should, we order the wrong dessert.

5 Pieces of Timeless Advice for Making Difficult Decisions

Making Difficult Decisions. Good decision-making can make or break your success. Cover Image: Shutterstock. The Consolation of Thoroughness. By Jeremy E Sherman Ph.D.

Get Clear on What You Really Want

The most reliable reason to. Nov 02,  · Making the decision — any decision — will reduce your anxiety and let you move forward. The best antidote to feeling overwhelmed is forward momentum.

As for my lunch, I . Should I initiate that difficult conversation? always eat salad for lunch — then you avoid the decision entirely and you can save your decision-making .

Oct 17,  · Other decisions, such as which college major to select or whether to move out of the country, may be more difficult to make.

You may be so worried about making the wrong choice that you experience analysis paralysis, and you delay making any choice at all%(14).