Decisions, Decisions, Decisions…. 

I had the good fortune of sitting down with 4 lovely people this week who have some decisions to make, and I got to thinking a bit more about this decision making process. 

The absolute key when making a big decision is ensuring that you have ‘really’ explored the options. 

Often we will feel cornered and like there is no way out of our present circumstances, and if that is the case, then we are in the unenviable position of having ‘No Choice’. This is a bad place to be. 

When I feel like this, I start to look for option two. In Tony Robbins’ decision making process, he says that when you have two choices, you have a ‘Dilemma’. A Dilemma does not sound flash… But is a serious improvement on No Choice. 

I think that this is where we have the most mental anguish. Well, I know I do. We have noticed there is pain or discomfort and we have moved past the fact that there is No Choice, and we have found another option. 

I often find myself with two clear options, usually between the status quo and something else. Sometimes neither are good. Sometimes both are great. Two great options is a great dilemma to have, but it still is a dilemma. 

So I have made this little rule for myself, that I try to remember in the depth of a decision.

Look for the third way. 

Big T calls this ‘Options’. We want options. We always want options. 

When I do this, it infuriates everyone around me.

I have also found that once I open up to the third option, then 4, 5, and 6 follow close behind.

That infuriates them even more. 

Often 3 – 6 get discarded. 

But in finding options, and then realising there is more choice, I feel less controlled or trapped by circumstance. My mood lifts and my mind clears so I can make a decision and move on.