In every significant decision, we often hesitate or doubt our choices, constantly questioning whether our chosen path is right. Despite receiving positive advice from others, something that prevents us from finding peace of mind.
Perhaps due to past experiences of hasty decisions and wrong choices, it has brought about numerous troubles, regrets, psychological distress, and at times, even moral remorse. This is why many people often exclaim, “If only I hadn’t made that decision,”If only I had been stronger”, “If only I hadn’t been so foolish”, and countless other “if only” scenarios that never actually occurred. It is also the reason why we tend to ponder and reflect, striving to ensure that similar events will never repeat themselves.
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However, the laws of life continue to evolve in cycles, providing motivation and new opportunities for people to find joy, happiness, and peace. Yet, ‘luck’ often eludes us as we are easily distracted by beauty, frivolity, and luxury, which can diminish our ability to perceive keenly and make wise choices. Even when standing on the right decision, we may still worry and hesitate due to internal factors such as fear of failure, lack of confidence, inexperience, or the fear of wasting time and effort. These thoughts linger in our minds, leading us to seek reassurance from others who might share similar thoughts. It is all in the pursuit of finding ‘peace of mind’ and avoiding mistakes when making decisions.
However, Dr. Michael Dell, the founder and CEO of Dell Inc., who was once listed as one of the world’s billionaires at the age of 27, refuted this notion, “That’s crazy! Instead of seeking too much advice for the things you are doing, focus on exploring, being creative, and having more trust in your own abilities.
Photo. Michael Dell (on the right), the founder and CEO of Dell Corporation
According to him and other successful individuals, they believe that no decision can be entirely 100% accurate. However, they all follow a common formula that has helped them achieve maximum effectiveness whenever making important decisions through the following four steps:
1. Establish clear objectives and provide five compelling reasons why it should be chosen.
This is a crucial preparatory step that demands keen observation and thorough research about the objective and the individuals involved in the decision-making process. Simultaneously, it requires articulating at least five valid reasons, grounded in shared benefits or ethical considerations, to persuade oneself that “I choose this decision because I see clear reasons aligned with my capabilities” or “I choose to step back because I recognize the differences between myself and others”, etc. The more specific the reasons, the better equipped we are to maintain our stance, avoiding the psychological turmoil and anxiety induced by external influences once a choice has been made
2. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of both the target and yourself to determine suitability
At this stage, we need to list the subject’s shortcomings to see if they still align with our initial assessment or if they are affecting our immediate surroundings. Assuming they are, we must weigh the pros against the cons. Additionally, we should evaluate our own attitude, words, actions, and whether we are adhering to the established principles. Are we directly influencing the relationship between both parties? If we identify areas where we fall short, don’t hesitate to make adjustments accordingly. On the contrary, when we notice an abundance of mistakes or flaws in the subject that make us uncomfortable, it’s advisable to consider postponing or temporarily suspending the decision for further observation. When evaluating the subject and oneself honestly and comprehensively, the comparative result becomes more complete.
3. Embrace risk, maintain patience, and trust your own intuition
This part is embraced by many happy and successful individuals who have the confidence to apply it effectively because they firmly believe that “everything carries risks”, but what matters is how we face those risks and assess our ability to cope with and overcome them. If they feel capable of enduring and still maintain their passionate enthusiasm, they will continue to move forward with patience and confidence. On the other hand, they consistently listen to their own intuition to avoid external influence because they understand that the mechanisms of the subconscious can signal safety or danger through sensory perception. To develop this intuition, one must first attain a profound state of tranquility in order to clearly sense their inner self.
4. Mentally prepare or have contingency plans in place to avoid disrupting the stated objectives
It can be said that reaching this stage is often unforeseen and not something anyone anticipates. However, in any relationship or regardless of how smoothly a job may be progressing, there will be moments when it ‘stalls’ and ceases to advance. Therefore, it is essential to be mentally prepared for the worst-case scenario. In fact, having contingency plans to replace ineffective solutions is necessary to mitigate risks that could impact overall operational outcomes. Thus, having backup plans in place can help prevent psychological shocks and provide a greater sense of security when carrying out tasks. These measures are fundamentally aimed at ensuring continuous stability, without disrupting progress towards the initial goals.
Summary of the 4 steps before making a decision. Photo: TVVN
Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset, along with the willingness to embrace risks and a strong sense of determination, every decision you make during this phase will be wise and well-suited for the journey ahead.
By TTVN Press
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