Overcoming Indecision
I have always been a “Comfort Zone” kind of guy. I like to wake up in the morning knowing what I’ll be facing and charge into my day ready to kill it. I like to make bold plans and execute on them decisively. Even though I recognize many of the best things in my life came straight out of the blue, I love it when a plan comes together. I was set to accomplish my two remaining lifetime goals this year and take my company to the next level. Instead, the stock market crashed and so did my company. This hasn’t been all bad, because I’ve had a lot of freedom to travel and spend time with my family. But it definitely threw me a curveball and forced me to reevaluate my plans and goals.
Avoiding a Big Mistake
I’m searching for a new job right now and I’m struggling with the indecision that comes with making the big career decision. Last month, I had a high paying job offer and I bailed on it at the last minute. I signed the offer letter, filled out the HR paperwork and was supposed to show up at work on Monday. Instead, I sent them a Thursday email, telling them I decided against taking the job. I felt horrible about doing this to them, even though I knew it was the wrong job for me. The offer letter was extremely restrictive at a time in my career where I’m looking for more flexibility. I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, and I’ve had enough crappy jobs to know what that means. I’m wise enough now to avoid companies with unlimited expectations and no appreciation for my hard work and sacrifices. My wife and my boss both told me this job was a mistake for me and I’m glad I listened to them. Thankfully, my company was gracious enough to take me back after I resigned, so I’m still employed for now.
Making Fearless Decisions
How do I overcome the curse of indecision? I learned something invaluable about 20 years ago and it has served me faithfully and never let me down. I call it “Worst-Case Scenario Decision Making”. Whenever I have a difficult decision to make, I envision the worst-case scenario that could happen from my preferred choice and decide if I can accept the consequences. For example, I envisioned rejecting the job offer, not being accepted back by my company and being out of work for a year. There was a time in my life where fear of losing my income would have forced me to take the dreaded job. These days, I could withstand a year without a job and it would barely dent my retirement savings. So, I was free to make this choice and I will never have to worry about my decision, even if the worst happens. I can’t tell you enough how liberating this decision-making strategy can be for you. You are free to make any decision, as long as you can accept the potential repercussions. You won’t be haunted by indecision when making a choice or be afraid of failure afterward, since you have already accepted the worst possible outcome.
The Bottom Line
The big decisions in our lives take courage and action. We can’t expect to achieve our goals and accomplishments, without some risk. Accepting and mitigating risk is what allows us to push forward in the direction of our dreams.
“Decisiveness makes you a stronger person within yourself. Your belief and confidence get elevated to a higher level. So be decisive and take action.” – Asad Meah
