Every day, from the moment you wake up to when your head hits the pillow at night, you make countless decisions—up to 35,000, according to some estimates. Each choice carries its own set of outcomes and consequences, some positive and others less so.
Many of these decisions happen on autopilot, driven by habits and the subconscious mind. We often continue doing what we’ve always done without giving it much thought. The key to making better choices lies in becoming more aware of your decisions, understanding why you make them, and determining if there’s room for improvement.
If you’re aiming to make more intentional and beneficial choices, having a plan in place is essential. Here are some practical steps to guide you on that path.
Step One: Practice Mindfulness in Your Choices
Start by being more mindful of the decisions you make throughout the day. Take a moment to consider each choice and be intentional about why you’re making it. Identify any gaps in your decision-making process or signs that indicate you might not be making the best choices.
For example: Think about how you prioritize your tasks at work. Do you start your day with the most important tasks that align with your long-term goals, or do you get sidetracked by less critical activities? Being mindful about prioritization might mean setting aside time each morning to review your to-do list and consciously choosing to tackle high-impact tasks first. Without intention, your day can easily get consumed by less significant work.
Step Two: Evaluate Your Results
If you’re unsure whether your choices are serving you well, take a close look at the outcomes they produce. What’s working in your career, and what isn’t? Understanding which decisions contribute to your professional success and which might be holding you back is crucial.
For example: If you find yourself consistently missing deadlines, it’s important to assess what choices lead to this outcome. Are you overcommitting to projects? Do you tend to procrastinate until the last minute? Evaluating your time management, delegating tasks when appropriate, and setting realistic deadlines can significantly improve your ability to meet your targets and reduce stress.
Step Three: Implement a Strategic Plan
Improving your decision-making starts with a plan. By identifying what triggers poor choices, you can alter the process to achieve better results. Focus on your desired outcome and reverse-engineer your time and actions to support it.
For example: If you often find yourself saying “yes” to every request or opportunity, you may be spreading yourself too thin, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. Instead, create a plan to assess each request based on your current priorities and workload. Learning to say “no” when necessary and setting clear boundaries can help you focus on what truly matters and improve your overall performance.
Making better choices comes down to being aware of the decisions you’re making and identifying what needs to change to support healthier, more aligned outcomes. With mindfulness and a well-thought-out plan, you can make choices that move you closer to your goals and eliminate those that hold you back.
Every day, from the moment you wake up to when your head hits the pillow at night, you make countless decisions—up to 35,000, according to some estimates. Each choice carries its own set of outcomes and consequences, some positive and others less so.
Many of these decisions happen on autopilot, driven by habits and the subconscious mind. We often continue doing what we’ve always done without giving it much thought. The key to making better choices lies in becoming more aware of your decisions, understanding why you make them, and determining if there’s room for improvement.
If you’re aiming to make more intentional and beneficial choices, having a plan in place is essential. Here are some practical steps to guide you on that path.
Reflection Question: What work-related habit or decision-making process do you feel might be holding you back, and how can you begin to shift it to better align with your career goals?
Engagement Question: How do you prioritize your tasks at work to ensure you’re focusing on what’s most important? What strategies have helped you improve your decision-making?
#careergrowth #productivity #leadershipdevelopment #timemanagement #worklifebalance
At the intersection of organization development, coaching, and education, I empower leaders to thrive. My approach blends strategic insight with transformative coaching to drive growth and meaningful change. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation call with Amanda Hahn today and start your journey toward success.
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