A peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one. ~Rita Mae Brown
Have you ever noticed how some folks just seem to move on from setbacks, move up the corporate ladder effortlessly or move towards their aspirations swiftly while others seem to be stuck in Ground Hog day?
There’s movement in the first group. They take steps and they get closer to their outcomes. The second group, on the other hand, remains stagnant in situations they don’t want to be in. They are dogged by thoughts that they should be experiencing something different and this makes their day-to-day experience even more unsatisfying.
If you look closely, there’s one major behavioural trait that separates the two groups. The first group makes decisions and follows through on them, often experimenting along the way. The second group tends to overthink and avoid making decisions.
Want a quick reality check on whether you’ve made good decisions over the last year or whether you need to make better decisions in 2012?
Pick up a pen and paper and answer the following questions:
Compared to early 2011, what is your present situation at the start of 2012 in the following contexts of your career or business?
Rate your answers by using one of the following symbols in each of the career or business contexts below:
+ to indicate that your situation in that context has improved
- to indicate that your situation in that context has become worse
= to indicate no change has occurred in that context. Next to the = symbol, draw a smiley face 
to indicate that you’re happy with the situation as it is, or a sad face 
if it’s something that you’re not satisfied with).
Career (if you’re in an employed role):
- Career Enjoyment
- Income
- Relationship with Coworkers
- Promotion Opportunities:
- Work Culture:
Business (if you’re self employed):
- Profits:
- Number of clients:
- Quality of clients:
- Marketing Strategies
- Personal Productivity:
- Enjoyment in Business:
Once you’ve completing the ratings, notice contexts that you’ve marked with a + symbol or a smiley face. Appreciate these blessings and the role you’ve played in creating them.
Next, look at the areas you have marked with a – symbol or a sad face. Realise that for better or for worse, the situation is partly the result of your thoughts, actions (or inactions) and behaviours.
Make a decision now to change areas that you’re dissatisfied in and follow through on it. It could be a small or simple decision, but effective follow though could alter the course of your life.
My success habit tip for 2012: Make decisions more often and more swiftly regardless of whether it’s perceived wrong.
After all, the more decisions you make, the easier decision making becomes and the better you become at making quality decisions.
Personally, I have identified areas where I will be making decisions more quickly. I can’t wait to evaluate the results over the months to come. I know that there will be massive changes in these contexts!
About Kathleen Alexander
Kathleen Alexander is a coach and consultant who shares ideas on how to innovate, thrive and do what you love through your business or career.
