The Hustler's Digest StaffThere is not a day that goes past that we don’t make a decision of some kind. Many of our decisions are trivial. Decisions like shall I hit the snooze button on the alarm or shall I get up or what shall I have for lunch.
However, making good decisions about important subjects is an essential skill that will reduce stress, avoid procrastination and help you get things done.
Good decision making is a skill. A skill that some are better at than others.
Just because someone can make a good decision quickly doesn’t mean that they are a genius. They are using a process which allows them to quickly make the right decision and a process that fortunately can be learned.
I came across a decision-making process by Dr Pam Brown which presents 7 practical elements to making a good decision quickly and confidently.
The 7 Elements are:
1. Outline the goal and outcome
2. Gather data to support the decision-making process
3. Develop alternatives
4. List the pros and cons of each alternative
5. Make the decision
6. Immediately take action to implement it
7. Learn from and reflect on the decision making
Let’s explore each of these a little
Outline the goal and outcome
Don’t try and make decisions on the hoof. It is important to outline what you are trying to achieve from this decision and before making any decision we need to outline what we are trying to achieve and what the likely outcome will be. Get clear on exactly what it is you are trying to achieve and what is the most likely outcome of this decision. The more clarity you can add to your goal and outcome at this point the better your choice will be at the end of the process.
Gather data to support the decision-making process
To make a good decision, you must gather data which allows you to make a good decision. Gathering data preferably from more than one information source will let you to make good choices and to speed up the decision-making process. We all now have the most fantastic tool available for gathering information, the internet. Be careful though when gathering data that you don’t get paralysed by analysis. Gather relevant data and collect enough data to aid the decision-making process.
Develop Alternatives
Making good decisions seldom happens if you only consider one option. Utilising your goal, outcome and the data you have gathered, list the alternatives that spring to mind immediately. Explore these a little further and determine whether any other options are appropriate. When you have a list of possible alternatives, then narrow your decision-making process down to a manageable number of alternatives. There is no definitive number of alternatives that you should consider but narrowing your search to 3 good options will allow you to get to a decision quicker and with more confidence.
List the Pros and Cons of Each
Now that you have a manageable number of alternatives you can start to list the pros and cons of each. A simple way to do this is to take a sheet of paper divide it down the middle, one sheet for each option and list as many pros and cons as you can think of for each. Doing so will assist you in the next part of the process as you can lay each piece of paper beside the other and quickly review the pros and cons of each.
Make Your Choice
Now that you’ve weighed the pros and cons, it’s time to decide which option best aligns with your goal. Each alternative might contribute to achieving your goal in some way. This is where your pros and cons list becomes invaluable, enabling you to make an informed decision, understanding both the benefits and potential downsides. Your risk tolerance will also influence your choice. If you can handle risk well, you might opt for the option with the greatest benefit, even if it carries significant risk. Ultimately, this step empowers you to make a well-informed decision.
Immediately Take Action to Implement It
Once you have decided which alternative best meets your goal and desired outcome, then you need to take action immediately to implement your choice. Taking action immediately helps you to avoid procrastination and from going through a constant process of analysis of the options or going back to earlier points of the process of gathering more information. Taking action is an essential part of the decision-making process and when action is taken the decision is reinforced in your mind and helps remove doubt.
Learn and Reflect on the Decision Making
Not every decision you make will turn out exactly as you thought it would. There is risk in making decisions, but there is also learning. Evaluate the outcome of each choice against your original goal and review what worked well, what didn’t work so well and let this feedback assist you in making future decisions. The more you make, the more feedback and learning you have to make even better decisions in future.
If you struggle to make decisions utilizing the process above will assist you in making good decisions with confidence.
Conclusion
Effective decision-making is a skill that can be developed with the right approach. By following these seven elements—outlining your goal, gathering relevant data, developing alternatives, listing pros and cons, making the decision, taking immediate action, and reflecting on the outcome—you can make confident and informed decisions quickly. This process not only reduces stress and eliminates procrastination but also empowers you to tackle challenges with clarity and purpose. As you refine your decision-making skills, you’ll find yourself better equipped to navigate both the trivial and significant choices in life, leading to more successful outcomes and personal growth.
