Leadership & Life: the ABC’s of Decision Making

The ABC’s that come to mind are:  Always Be Conscious

Always, and in all ways, pay attention to your body’s feedback.  While our mind is fantastic at thinking, the heart and the body frequently know things that are beyond our conscious recognition.  Have you ever made an appointment with a doctor, to find out that you actually needed to see him/her when your appointment showed up?  Just recently I had an appointment with my physician that had been made six weeks earlier.  Lo and behold, the day before my appointment, I found out I really needed it.  I was really glad to get in for that exam – especially since he is usually booked two months in advance.

Then again, there are the times I’ve heard (usually more than once) to make an appointment for X, call Y, or do something else specific.  Because there was no apparent “need” I’ve put it off and paid the consequences.  ALWAYS pay attention to the little things that appear more than once. Generally when you inwardly have a recurring thought, there is a good chance that you need to follow up.  This is your inner compass.  Have fun with it, learn to trust it, and you will find life’s decisions easier to make.

Be yourself.  No need to impress another, or get their approval.  When you pay attention to your own inner guidance system (INS) you will find the guidance available to make tough decisions.  They may not be popular, but they will ultimately be the best one for you.  March to your own drummer.  Tune in so you can turn on to the amazing melody called you!

Conscious.  Always be conscious of your intuition and notice when you lose your center.  If you find yourself fuzzy, unable to make a clear decision, or wanting someone else to take responsibility for your choice, be aware that this is a red flag that your “life is in session – and lessons are at hand.” Often times, you are running an expectation toward what you want, what someone else wants, or what you think you (or they) want.  There are even times when others will give you advice that is unconsciously designed to put you in their debt. TRUST YOURSELF. Ultimately, every choice has its consequences.  Find the path that leave you feeling most at peace, and chances are you have found your personal “road less traveled.”

How that you’ve learned your ABC’s here’s the DEF’s.

Decide what works best for you. Try it out.

Evaluate the results.

Follow through with adjustments as needed.

Good luck with your ABC’s and DEF’s.  They do get easier with practice.

A good friend, business mentor, or coach can help you get clear when the going gets muddy.  Don’t forget that even with our ABC’s in place, we all sometimes need a mirror to see our reflection.