How to make the best decision when you’re at a crossroads

Making the right decision can be incredibly daunting when you don’t know what the best choice is - and what the best outcome will be. Big decisions, like moving to another country to study or leaving your dream job to start your own business, can make us feel anxious and frustrated, but smaller decisions, like implementing new practices in the office or deciding how to spend your only weekend off, can bring equal amounts of stress. 

While no one can make an important decision for you, there are some things you should consider before making the final call.

Determine what you want

What lead you to this crossroads in the first place? Are you trying to start a new chapter in your life? Make more time for yourself? Strengthen your team? Take the route that will get you closest to your goal. 

Choose the option that will provide the most long-term growth potential and return on your investment

In some cases, both routes will lead you to your goal.  Now you need to think about which choice will be most beneficial to you in the long run.  

Don’t pick the easier option just because it’s easier

Taking the easy route is tempting, but definitely not as rewarding. If you’re choosing job security over a new opportunity, you’ll be more comfortable, but comfort breeds complacency, not growth.  

Are you excited or nervous?

Which option makes your heart beat faster? If one excites you more than the other, it’s likely the better option. If one makes you more nervous than the other, it might also be the best option. Usually we need to lean in to whatever we have resistance around.

Get some rest and come back to it 

Are you tired? Pulling late nights at the office? If so, this is generally the worst time to make an important decision. It is tough to be creative or have good mental clarity when you are exhausted. Do your best to get some rest than come back to it in a relaxed state.

Meditate or pray on it 

Don’t let too much logic cloud your natural intuition; you most likely already know what the best solution is. Research has shown that even one15-minute focused breathing meditation may help people make smarter choices. Invest the time and energy to be 100% present before you make your final decision.

What would you tell your friend?

Imagine that a close friend was in your exact situation. What would you tell him or her to do? Why? Think through your reasoning before making the decision for yourself.

Helen Marie Fox is a health and performance coach who has helped hundreds of individuals and groups perform at their best. Her strategic approach to goal achievement leaves people armed with the knowledge, skills and essential mindset required to create change. Read more.