Are you feeling stuck in some area of your life? Maybe your career progression has stalled, you miss that sense of purpose you once had, or you want to feel aligned in a relationship.
When we get to this space the overwhelm gets real, the inner-critic becomes super loud and obnoxious and well….nothing looks like a good option. In flows decision paralysis and out leaks the joy.
Can you relate? Gosh it’s a hard place to be isn’t it?
In sessions with clients, I’ve noticed a few consistent culprits which add to the cloud of confusion, let’s clear them up together:
Taking on too many opinions
When you’re experiencing decision overwhelm, including multiple voices and opinions often adds to the confusion. While the wisdom of family and friends can be helpful, sometimes it leads to an overcrowded mind filled with opinions of others, leaving little room to explore what looks and feels right to you. Problem-solving becomes difficult when you’re carrying the expectations of others.Ask: If you didn’t feel obligated to please anyone else, what would you choose? Why?
Wearing a lens of permanence
We all do it, and it’s rarely a helpful frame to look through! The lens of permanence is a term I use to describe a decision-making blockage. It’s a belief that sounds like: “If I make a decision it will be the only one I can ever make, it’s permanent and unchangeable.”
If you get honest with yourself, you can begin to look at your options in a new way. Allowing yourself to believe you do have the power to change your mind later, that you can adjust expectations and make a new choice after this one if necessary means you can experience expansive options and opportunities. It changes the response to decision-making!
Ask: If I feel a decision I’ve made is the wrong fit for me, what power will I still have to make another choice after that?
And lastly…
Misaligned values
It all looks good on paper, but something just doesn’t feel ‘right’. If you’re not sure why, it could be that you’re unclear about your values. These inner-drivers can be a rudder or an anchor - steering you in a direction that feels aligned, or keeping you from moving forward in a way that feels meaningful to you.
James Clear, the author of the bestselling book 'Atomic Habits' recommends "letting your values drive your choices."So, if you want to make decisions that are a better fit, make a list of your values.
Ask: "What outcome will better fit my guiding values?".
If you want to move forward with peace, experience more joy, and re-imagine a future that's purposeful and aligned - go ahead and take a few minutes to answer the above questions to clear that cloud of confusion.
Feel free to reach out and let me know how you went! Email me at mel@mannaandhive.com, or connect over on the gram @mannaandhive.
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