4 tools to help you make the right decisions

1. Go with your gut (

This is an oldie but a goodie. It's about going with your instincts and feelings. Humans are wired for self-preservation and success so use and notice the physiological changes and how your body reacts and how you feel, as a tool to make a decision. ((e.g A colleague of mine from New York talks about how he goes with his gut in business. He recently cited an example where he was in a meeting and a huge financial business decision was about to be made. It all looked and sounded great and he was excited. However, it didn't quite feel right. Although he couldn't put his finger on it, he decided not to go with it. It was the right decision and he saved millions. ((((

1. Flip a coin (

You may be questioning this one but hear me out. This is not about what the coin lands on but how you react or feel about how it lands. So just say heads was you take a new business opportunity, and tails was you don't. You need to really notice what you are feeling and wishing for while the coin is in the air and when it lands. How did you react? When it landed on tails was there a pang of disappointment or did a sense of relief wash over? You then make a decision based on your reaction. ((((

1. Glass of water by the bed (

You drink half the glass and think about your decision. No pressure, just ask yourself the key question that needs to be answered. You then go to sleep trusting in yourself and the process. In the morning drink the other half of the glass and be prepared to receive your answer. (

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1. Change focus to values (

This can be used when you get stuck whist trying to nut things out logically to get an answer and make a decision. Just say you have been poring over it for a while and you are stuck (probably with all of the detail). (

1. Firstly you need to stop thinking about it and put it aside. (
2. You then talk to someone you trust about what you are very passionate about and what you value in your life for at least one minute. You may want to explain what you are doing. (If you are alone write down what you are passionate about and value) (
3. Once you have done this go back and ask yourself the original question. You should have more clarity about what you need to do because you have gotten more in touch with you!

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All of the above tools are about trusting yourself rather than relying on others to give us the golden answer. The next time to have a big decision to make, try one that resonates with you. (