I am fascinated by decision making. As a theater director, my mentors drummed it into my head in those first few years – the moment people want to see most is when the character makes the decision. That’s the interesting part. That’s humanity, universally fascinating to all. Action flows from there, it always does. But the moment of decision is the part where everything is possible.
The best actors let us see inside the push-pull of a decision, so we almost make it with them. The best directors tease that moment apart and stretch it out, helping the actor find the right criteria to make that decision as the character.
With the new Bigger Game package released yesterday, and the Authentic Action call coming up on Tuesday, this is really on my mind. I’ve gotten to see several decision making processes about the new Bigger Game package I released yesterday – it is ah-MAZ-ing to watch. This is the question that keeps getting asked:
How do you know when it’s time to change?
Seems to me there’s a direct link between the level of resourcefulness we feel, and the quality of our decision making. When you’re faced with a decision, (you know, like several times a day), consider these 3 steps to help you choose the best thing for you.
1. Know your criteria.
Make the decision for the right reasons. Get to know what kinds of information you need to make a good decision. Do you like options, or need step-by-step procedures to commit to something? Do you like to gather external info, or take time by yourself to consider your options? Choose the course of action because of the most important factors at play.
2. Base your decision on the what first, then the how.
The “how” is NEVER as important than the “what” – but we let it come first anyway. As soon as we think of a possibility, we jump into realist/critic panic – “How will I make this happen? What if I can’t?“ Sometimes I call this “addiction to the mechanism,” because it’s so habitual to jump right into the practicalities before we even know if this is the right thing. I know. Crazy. No wonder we get the results we do.
So! Learn to take an extra minute and pause in the possibility. Ask, “Is this something I want? Why do I want it?”
And a bonus round of pausing: “What would it look like if I made this happen? Can I tailor this possibility to match what I want even more closely?”
Want something? Real bad? Make the decision to trust yourself. Say, I’m going to trust what I’m saying, and I won’t stop until I find the mechanism to make it happen. (Humans are so incredible. I am constantly in awe of our ingenuity and capabilities, once we know what we want and decide to go after it.)
If you’re looking at cold, hard reality exclusively as you’re making your decision, you are shutting down possibilities for yourself. Want to make more of the same keep happening? Just keep staring at what’s already real and making your decisions based on that.
You have to have ganas (desire) to make things better. You’ve gotta care about how you feel and where you’re going. Make no mistake – I’m not telling you to push forward constantly, or jump into something you’re not ready for. Just know why you’re making the decision, and make it the best “why” you can come up with.
3. Get good with your decision.
And now for the secret. (No, not that one.) What matters even more than the decision? Being in alignment with it. So, no matter what you pick, make peace with it.
Are you making a big leap forward? Taking a risk? Fabulous. Trust yourself. Choose to follow through.
Are you choosing to play it safe and hedge your bets? Great. That could be just what you need right now.
Ask for help? Make a go of it on your own? Either one can be the perfect course of action, if you make it so.
Just make a decision. Get off the fence. Nothing is there for you on the fence except a butt-ache. Fences were not built to be sat on. They’re the lines of demarcation between one possibility and another. Both fields of possibility are valid. Pick one and make it right.
I had someone I’ve never met email me today and say: I’m broke. And I want your package. Please help me figure this out – I want what you’re offering and can’t see how to get it. But I’m ready to figure it out.
And since it’s about playing a bigger game, we decided to build in a strategic plan so she could recoup her investment in the package before she’s even had her 3rd session. She’s already working on an assignment for the money-making so she’s ready to go.
Now that’s getting off the fence.
If this seemed like your kind of thing, sign up for the free call by getting on the newsletter (up there, on the right!)
And if the Breakthrough and Play a Bigger Game package is calling you, I hope you’ll listen. (If you’re not ready, that’s a-ok. Don’t press the button.) But if you want a whole new level of results in your life and can handle the change, jump in. The water’s fine.
Related posts:
Activate your vision, build your world class brand.
