In my last post, we explored how to transform burnout into a breakthrough by embracing self-awareness and prioritizing our well-being. Now that we’ve established a foundation for a balanced life, how do we put that wisdom into practice?
One of the most powerful tools at our disposal is our ability to make clear, conscious decisions.
Finding Balance in Your Decisions
Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by a decision, no matter how small?
By embracing my personal challenges—whether it was a difficult conversation in therapy or the discipline of a daily meditation practice—I discovered a new way to lead. It’s a way that is rooted in self-awareness and fueled by a commitment to well-being. It’s a leadership style that doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, but sees it as a source of strength.
So, the next time you feel a challenge weighing on you, whether it’s at work or in your personal life, I encourage you to look at it differently. Don’t just push through; lean into it. See it as an opportunity to grow, not just as a leader, but as a whole person.
We make countless choices every day, from what to wear to what career path to follow. While some people seem to make the right call every time effortlessly, others find themselves paralyzed by overthinking. If you fall into the latter group, you’re not alone!
According to the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging at the University of Southern California,the average brain generates 48.6 thoughts per minute, amounting to about 70,000 thoughts per day; and for those who struggle with indecision, this flood of information can make even simple choices feel impossible.
So, how can we improve our decision-making skills and gain clarity, especially when we’re feeling doubtful?
The First Step: Ask Yourself the Right Questions
Before you make a difficult choice, it’s crucial to pause and reflect. The first step toward clarity is asking yourself a few key questions.
As Deepak Chopra says,“Every choice we make is an act of creation. As we reflect on our intentions, we begin to gain clarity on the potential outcomes.”
“Every choice we make is an act of creation. As we reflect on our intentions, we begin to gain clarity on the potential outcomes.”
Deepak Chopra
It can be hard to separate a gut feeling from a temporary emotional state. I’ve learned this the hard way. I can recall two specific instances where I made a decision based on an emotional outburst: one from intense happiness, the other from profound sadness. In both cases, I ignored my intuition and, as a result, lost money. The experience I gained, however, was priceless!
When this happens, I remind myself to be kind, and I practice self-compassion by using mantras like, “Today, I’m doing the best I can”, “Making mistakes isn’t a negative; it’s a human condition and a chance to learn.” This self-compassion is a vital part of the process.
Navigating Professional Decisions as a Leader
The decision-making process becomes even more complex when your choice affects an entire team. As a Leader or Manager, making the wrong call can erode trust and confidence among your direct reports and superiors.
In my experience, I’ve learned to rely on data and numbers because they provide a clear, unbiased perspective. As an Operations Leader, I developed a reporting system that guided my staffing decisions. Data analysis gave me a clear perspective on whether I needed to hire more people, adjust team performance, or provide targeted training. It also helped me identify opportunities for improvement and, in the toughest cases, decide if it was time to let someone go.
Letting people go is never easy for any leader I know. When faced with this kind of decision, the question I always ask myself is:
“Based on my responsibilities, did I do everything in my power to help this person improve?”
Did I offer training?
Was I accessible and open to communication?
Did I lead by example and create achievable goals?
If the answer to all of these is “yes,” it doesn’t make the decision easier, but as the saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”
Key Takeaways for Better Decision-Making
Whether in your personal or professional life, these simple recommendations can make decision-making much easier.
Rely on Data and Logic:
Don’t let emotions cloud your judgment. Look at the facts and data available to you.
Trust Your Gut, Not Your Mood: Differentiate between your intuition and a temporary emotional state. Your gut feeling is a deeper, more grounded instinct.
Learn from the Past:
Reflect on your past decisions and their outcomes to identify patterns and avoid repeating mistakes.
✨ Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself when you make a mistake. It’s a part of the learning process, not a sign of failure.
In my five years of leading multicultural, remote teams across different time zones, implementing these practices has led to successful outcomes 99.9% of the time.
The numbers always speak louder than words, and managing your emotions while connecting with people helps you act on those results.
What about you? What difficult decisions have you had to make? What best practices have worked for you?
