“What Should I Do Next?”
Here’s how to decide … and it’s easier than you think
Every decision or choice we make should show we’re different. But our natural desire to follow the crowd and feel safe will always get in the way. How to make decision making easier?
Here’s a proven way to distinguish between what we’re hoping will happen, what we think we should do, and what’s a more productive commitment.
Finish the following three sentences in one sitting, without much rumination.
- First write down what you’re thinking of doing. For example, “Teach myself how to build a website.”
- Write a sentence about that activity and include the word hope. “I hope to design a website this month.”
- Your second sentence includes “decided.” As in, “I’ve decided to complete an online course about website development in the next two weeks.”
- Then immediately add a last sentence such as: “I’m committed to having my site up and running by the end of next month.”
Hoping shows you’re just shopping for someone to do it for you, or at least make it very easy.
Deciding is only marginally more likely to produce results. (How often have you decided a New Year’s Resolution, only to watch it wither on the vine?)
If the third sentence doesn’t really get the juices flowing and imagination stirred, it’s just one more weak option. You aren’t committed to seeing the project or commitment through. So stop trying to flog that donkey into a thoroughbred.
Next!
The powerful feature of prioritizing this way is that it demonstrates your level of commitment. Putting the three statements alongside each other speeds up decision making, so you can focus on what’s most likely to bear fruit.
Surf’s up!
